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River Cruising 101

1/25/2019

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River Cruises are one of the hottest trends in travel. The major river cruise lines are adding ships left and right and that’s good for the consumer. You have more ship and itinerary options than ever before. But why has this become so popular?

We North Americans are travelers. We travel to every continent and for some, the more exotic, the better. And if you’ve been to Paris, Rome and London, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something different. A river cruise gives you the chance to see something new out of your window every single day without the packing and unpacking.

Instead of maneuvering through airports, trains and taxis, you’ll find yourself relaxing while sailing down some of the most beautiful and iconic rivers in the world. 

You choose a river course that takes you where you’ve always wanted to go and you leave the traffic jams and getting lost behind. 

With an average of 150 passengers on a ship, it’s easy to meet people and you won’t feel crowded. As good as the service is on ocean vessels, the service is even better on a river cruise, it’s more personal and your steward caters to the individual. 

The ports of call are smaller than the ocean going variety and easy to get around. Most cruise lines offer bicycles to explore the area. You’ll have the opportunity to talk to locals. Be aware that water levels vary so from time to time, itineraries may change to work around this. But to me, this just means I’ll see something I hadn’t planned on. 

In most cases, dinner is a 2 hour event. It really is fine dining and not meant to be rushed. The fabulous food is worth it.  Have a glass of wine and be ready for a gourmet experience every night of your cruise.

Like all cruises, they’re a good value. All of the river cruise lines include your meals, accommodations, entertainment and at least one excursion per stop. Many include your beverages and snacks. When you plan travel on your own, consider all of the costs, meals, tours, transportation and they add up. The shortest river cruise itinerary will be 7 days and the daily rate will be higher than an ocean cruise. You’ll have fewer room options as well but all of that makes the river cruise experience less hurried and more relaxing. 

The big cruise companies are working to make the river cruise more of a family experience than it has been in the past. Without the rock climbing and wave running experience, thrill seekers might find this kind of cruising a little too slow. 

Instead of a “If this is Tuesday, it must be Belgium” vibe, imagine just putting your feet up while you enjoy the passing scenery. It really is a chance to see the world from a new perspective. 
If you’re a solo traveler, look for deals at the start or end of the season for your particular itinerary. 
And if you can’t imagine going to Europe or Asia without stopping in the big cities, plan a few extra days at the beginning or end of your cruise. 
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Next week we’ll break down the differences between the major river cruise companies and you’ll find there really is something for everyone. 


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Tidying Up

1/16/2019

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I'm hooked! I started watching Tidying Up on Netflix and I can't wait to watch all of the episodes. The host is a well known organizer from Japan.  Marie Kondo is adorable and there's no judgment!

Don't think Hoarding: Buried Alive, think your closet or your kitchen if you're anything like me. I suffer from inertia. That was then, this is now. 

I told a friend of mine that I was anxious to watch this show after seeing so much press on it. She asked me if I really needed to watch a show to learn how to tidy up. Well, yes. I need inspiration! If just looking at the mess motivated me to clean it up, my house would look like a display home.

It worked. In the first episode, she taught me how to organize a clothes drawer so you could see everything in it. Nothing gets lost. Hallelujah. That was worth my Netflix subscription alone.

Her mantra is to keep the things that bring you joy and get rid of the rest. I'm a believer. 

Before you think that my house could be condemned by the health department, I'm talking about clutter that at the end of the day just seems overwhelming. Maybe it's just a pile of clothes that never goes away. Who couldn't use a little nudge now and then.

I have friends that want to sell the house they've been in for years and years and they just don't know where to start. Marie Kondo to the rescue!

Can you imagine sparking joy and tidying up?

So to arc this post into travel, here's a link to a video of Marie Kondo with tips on packing a suitcase. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWCmeklWJug​  From my mess to yours.....
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The thing about Buenos Aires...

1/10/2019

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..
Did you know that when people say good bye in Buenos Aires they say Ciao!

Now you wouldn’t think that. It’s a Spanish speaking country but they say ciao, which is hello and goodbye in Italian.  

​It might seem like a small thing, but don’t underestimate the European influence in this beautiful, sprawling city. 

It has lovely, charming and eclectic neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring on foot. The locals are proud of the differences in each one and love to tell you all about them. We stayed in 3  hotels in different areas and this was true in each of them. 

The central part of town was built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and has a strong French and Italian influence. 

It is an immigrant city filled with beautiful neoclassical buildings. Palermo, Recoleta, La Boca, San Telmo and  Puerto Madera are all unique neighborhoods and each deserve time and attention.  

​Get to know this exceptional city. If you’ve seen photographs of brightly colored buildings, that’s La Boca, the big weekly flea market is in San Telmo and Palermo is one of the beautiful old residential areas with lots of history and treelined streets. The Recoleta is another stately and grand neighborhood that is home to the Recoleta, by far the most interesting cemetery I’ve ever seen. It’s a must see for the impressive design of some of its mausoleums and tombs, as well as for the renowned names that have been buried there such as Juan and Eva Peron of Don’t Cry for Me Argentina fame, generals, mayors, presidents and their families. The day we were there, someone important was buried because there was huge crowd and a 14 gun salute. 

Leather goods are buttery soft and of premium quality with beautiful details and a buy in Argentina. Florida St. is a good place to look as well as the St. Martin area but everybody in Buenos Aires knows the BEST place to get leather goods so ask anybody. You can have a custom made jacket ready for pick up the next day.

If you like beef, good beef, lean beef, well seasoned beef, this is the place. If you don’t, their seafood is wonderful and fresh. Buenos Aires is right on the coast. Don’t be surprised to find lots of good Italian and Spanish tapas restaurants too.

The city is rich in cultural events. Don't miss a chance to see a Tango show, the "real" thing won't be found anywhere else.. We spent quite a bit of time at MALBA, the Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires. It is bright and airy with a wide selection of paintings and sculptures. Art lovers will feel at home there and in so many other of the city's museums and galleries. 

The Evita Peron Museum is in a grand old mansion with an audio presentation explaining her life and passion for her people. The display of gowns, hats and shoes were particularly interesting to me. The detail work in her wardrobe is something you never see anymore. Clearly she was a woman who stood out. 

Experiencing traffic in Buenos Aires is, well, thrilling! Lee and I both believe that traffic signs and lane markings are only suggestions. Driving outside of the city is like driving anywhere else but think twice about renting a car to drive in the city. Besides, taxis are very reasonable. 

Buenos Aires is a must see destination  It’s a big city with the big city vibe but in that big city you’ll find neighborhoods that make the city seem much smaller and inviting. The architecture is old meets new, no two buildings look alike. There is always something interesting just around the corner. If you love to visit London, Paris and Rome, then you'll love Buenos Aires.. 

And if you have a few extra days, Argentina has a lot to offer. Only a short flight from Buenos Aires is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Iguassu Falls, the largest water falls system in the world. The story goes that Eleanor Roosevelt visited and said she felt sorry for Niagara!

It’s summer now in Argentina, the perfect time to go. And to sweeten the deal the dollar goes further against the peso than it has in years. If you’re looking for a real bargain, this is it.

Just remember to say ciao!

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    Debbie Platke

    I have been in the travel industry for over 25 years, as a flight attendant, travel agent and travel writer. I think all travelers should have the kind of inside information that professional travelers have. The business has changed over the years and those on the front lines deserve a lot of credit. And what they know can help all of us get more out of our travel experience. 
    Welcome Aboard.


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