Is a river cruise right for your group?

River cruising is ideal for families or friends and groups with shared interests.You can select a cruise suited towards your group’s special interest, such as a wine and culinary cruise or a cultural event.

Or pick an itinerary that will include stops that appeal to your group. Mozart or opera aficionados? Try a Danube cruise that includes Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague. Gardening enthusiasts? Maybe a tulip cruise in The Netherlands. Additionally, your group can enjoy private excursions and activities tailored exclusively for you.

If you’d prefer, you can easily separate during the day for activities and tours that appeal individually, and then meet up again later for dinner or evening relaxation to share experiences.

River cruising has some of the advantages of larger ship cruising such as moving from one location to another without unpacking, but the ships are smaller and go to villages and cities a large vessel would never make. Riverboats dock right in town. No tendering or long road trips to get to the main city. Step off the ship and you’re off and discovering immediately. You’ll be able to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, participate in authentic experiences, and have more free time to check out local cafes, markets, and sites

Most riverboats hold 150-160 guests and can handle group sizes from 10 to a full ship charter. No lines getting on/off the ship. On-board entertainment includes local performers, artists, lecturers, culinary lessons, and wine and beer tastings. There are special interest cruises with added focus for art, history, food, and holidays of various regions throughout the world.

River cruising is best known for the rivers and canals of Europe – Danube, Rhine, Seine to name a few. But, the convenience combined with the ability to immerse culturally in destinations has broadened river cruising’s appeal to other regions of the world. Indochina, the Amazon, Africa, Russia, China all have well-established river cruise offerings.

Which river cruise is right for your group? Give me a call, I’d love to help you choose the perfect ship and itinerary. 888-429-1929

Four Worst Cruise Decisions

You’ve decided on an ocean cruise for vacation this year. Mediterranean? Alaskan? Caribbean? Australian? Big ship? Small ship? Luxury, main stream, specialty? A lot of the fun is in the planning – those slick websites and brochures are FUN to look at. Whatever you do, don’t make these mistakes:

Same Day Flight. I get it. You don’t want to waste a precious vacation day, so you book a flight to arrive on the same day as departure. Don’t do it. Airlines are flying at maximum capacity and if a flight is cancelled or you’re delayed and miss a connection there isn’t a lot of wiggle room to re-accommodate you.

Arriving a day or two early affords you the chance to recover from jet-lag, explore your departure city, or just enjoy some decompression as you transition to vacay mode. Wouldn’t you rather check out Seattle’s Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, spend a couple of days exploring Rome, or enjoy a relaxing day at the beach than trying to catch up with your cruise? Even if you catch up to the ship a day or two later, you’ve missed the beginning of your vacation and you’ve spent the first few days stressing instead of relaxing.

Wait until on-board to book shore excursions. Spontaneity is great, especially when traveling. Not with shore excursions. If there is an excursion you know you want to do, book it early. Don’t wait until you are on board. Otherwise, there’s an excellent chance it may be sold out. Some of the more popular excursions sell out months prior to sailing.

And, you don’t have to book your excursions through the cruise line. Many cruise ports of call have reputable, local guides and tours available and there are companies that specialize in shore excursions. Would you rather see the Acropolis with a numbered sticker on your chest while jostling for position with 60 of your “best” friends? Or explore it with a group of six, enjoying commentary from a licensed, passionate docent?

Pick the wrong ship. It’s not just big vs small. Are you traveling with kids and want them to be welcomed and entertained rather than frowned at disapprovingly? Or, do you think a ship that is shriek-free is more your cup of tea? Speaking of tea - do you expect high tea every day? Country-club ambience or more laid back? Do you favor a ship that rolls up the carpet by 11 every evening or do you plan on partying until dawn? With clothes or clothing optional? OK, that one is obvious. But, selecting the wrong ship for your personality or travel style can make a wonderful ship less than appealing.

Consider price only. There’s a reason Caribbean cruises are cheap in October and November. Harvey, Irma, or Maria ring any bells? Or Alaska in May, late August/September – rain anyone? Yes, it rains all summer in Alaska, but it can get downright torrential in the Spring and Fall. European cruises in the fall can be cold. What are your on-board expectations and utilizations? You might find that paying more for a cruise with more included is actually less expensive than one that is cheaper up front but only includes the proverbial “nickel and diming" amenities.

If you’re flexible and understand why a cruise is discounted, some bargains can be a great value. During hurricane season, ships are generally able to avoid the storms. Just, be okay with having the itinerary changed or having a shortened or lengthened cruise. A Mediterranean cruise in the fall, in my opinion, is the best. Fewer crowds and no stifling heat. It can get chilly, but if you’re prepared for it, not a problem. Remember, you want to get best value – not the lowest price.

Are you ready to find the perfect cruise for you? I’d love to help. Call 888-429-1929 or email travel@sevenwondersgrouptravel.com today to schedule a complimentary consultation and we’ll start the planning!

Where Should Your Wine Group Go?

What’s better than enjoying wine while experiencing a great destination? Easy – doing it with your friends! But, deciding on where to go can be challenging. Whether you are a few couples who occasionally get together or a formal organization with scheduled meetings, here are four suggestions that work well for small to medium sized groups.

1) The blending of medieval Europe exploration with the history of European wine making on a river cruise is a can’t miss for wine groups. Biking through French vineyards, “truffle hunting”, attending a performance of “The Blue Danube” in Vienna are a fraction of potential experiences. Some wine cruises are itinerary specific such as cruising thru Burgundy or exploring the Bordeaux river valley region. Alternatively, traditional itineraries with added wine and culinary focus, including guest experts, are also available.

River cruises are great for groups because there are so many inclusives that everyone can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the wine. Or hike, bike, explore, and enjoy the wine. Or some combination and enjoy the wine!

2) Mendoza is arguably the most well-known wine region of Argentina, world famous for it’s Malbec. Additionally, the region’s Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are well-regarded. But, Argentina is home to two other major wine regions: Patagonia - known for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Malbec and the high altitude North Region – where Torrontes and Syrah are the main varietals.

While you’re in the area, your wine group might like to experience Iguazu Falls, learn Tango in Buenos Aires, enjoy spectacular views of Patagonia, walk along the Perro Moreno Glacier, or learn about traditional gaucho life while staying on a working Estancia.

3) Australia is home to as many different wine regions as California. Which makes sense - they both enjoy wildly diverse climates. Multiple high-quality wines are awaiting your discovery in the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra region, or Adelaide Hills, to name a few. Wine lovers will find almost any varietal produced on this small continent.

What to do when you’re not wine tasting? Explore the outback and a night at Ayers Rock for the Sounds of Silence. Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge (I won’t be joining you!), enjoy a wilderness walk on Kangaroo Island to meet koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. Mine for opals in Coober Pedy. Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, or just enjoy a beach day or two in Cairns (while sipping wine!).

4) Did you know South Africa is the seventh largest wine producer, ahead of more established wine countries such as Portugal, New Zealand, and Chile. They have their own, unique varietal - Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Better known varietals that South Africa produces include Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Of course, if you’re in South Africa for wine tasting, why not enjoy a glass of champagne while hot air balloon riding across the vineyards or the plains of Africa? Kruger National Park is a great destination for a safari. A side trip to Victoria Falls is easily accomplished from Johannesburg, if that’s on your bucket list.

So, there you have it – a very brief sampling of outstanding destinations for your wine group’s next sampling!

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Let's Celebrate!

As we turn the page to a new year, it’s time to start planning the next great vacation. What better way to mark a milestone than with travel? Not only is it a brilliant way to celebrate with family and friends, but the memories are forever. Unlike that gold watch, new car or espresso machine.

Do you have a new or soon-to-be graduate in the family? There are specialized travel options we can tailor for young adults. Everything from camping along the Inca Trail to luxury river cruises exclusively for the 18 – 45 set. They can travel independently or as part of a group. Whatever fits best.

Is there a milestone birthday or anniversary upcoming for a family member? Why not gather the whole clan to celebrate on a cruise or at all-inclusive resort? There are many, many options for multi-generational groups. How much fun would it be to learn to drive sled dogs together or take ski lessons in the French Alps instead of the usual family get together? Looking for something warmer? Zipline through the rainforest or try trapeze lessons on the beach!

Are wedding bells on the horizon? Destination weddings allow friends and family to celebrate together in a unique venue plus have a memorable travel experience. Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean are familiar and popular destinations for weddings. Want to go a little farther? How about Italy, New Zealand, or Greece? There are hundreds of destinations where you can combine a wedding with travel for large or small groups.

Travel memories last a lifetime. Is there an important milestone coming up in your circle of friends or family?

• Anniversary
• Birthday
• Graduation
• Retirement
• Reunion
• Wedding

What could be a more memorable way to celebrate than with travel? Contact us today and we’ll work with you to craft and plan the perfect adventure to meet your celebrants’ dreams. travel@sevenwondersgrouptravel.com or 888-429-1929

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All Inclusive Resort Pros and Cons

Think all-inclusive resorts are only in the Caribbean and Mexico? How about the Maldives, Thailand, China, Japan, Africa, Italy, Morocco? French Alps for skiing anyone?

Adults only with emphasis on romance. Singles resorts. Family oriented with dedicated kid camps and staff. Sports and activity oriented. Focused activities such as ski resorts and dive resorts. Cultural immersion resorts. You name it, there’s probably an all-inclusive resort dedicated to it.

Disclaimer. I used to have a very snobby attitude towards all-inclusive resorts. I thought of them as an “Americanized” means for people to visit Mexico or the Dominican Republic. The last few months have been a bit of an epiphany for me and I thought I’ d share some pros and cons to this vacation option.

Pros

• All-inclusive. Well, duh. Not coming home to a huge credit card bill is probably number one when considering the advantages. Activities, drinks, food, entertainment are all part of the package.
• Unpack once. You have a home for a week or two or three. The nomadic lifestyle is for another vacation.
• Activities galore. Tennis, sailing, paddle boarding, golfing, skiing (water or snow), snorkeling, volleyball, hiking, biking, yoga, Zen meditation, cooking classes, wine tasting, and on and on and on. You can’t be bored at an all-inclusive unless you’re trying. This includes the kids!
• Relax and chill. Want to just enjoy some quiet R&R? Spas, private plunge pools, private lanais or balconies are waiting for you.

Cons

• Little interaction with local culture. This applies primarily to the gated resorts where you stay on property your entire vacation. Some people love this while others loathe it. Picking the right resort to meet your expectations will alleviate this con.
• Too regimented. Yes, frequently, activities and mealtimes have scheduled windows of availability. But, room service and light meal options are always offered between scheduled dining. And, if an activity time isn’t to your liking, you can opt for a private lesson or schedule your own activity time.
• One size fits all. This is true within each individual resort. I mean, if you go to a ski resort in the Alps, it is assumed that you will want to play in the snow. And, if you’re a multi-generational family, you’ll want to go where there’s a good kids’ program.

Recap

An all-inclusive resort isn’t for everyone. But, they are more diverse and flexible that many people realize.

A specialist is vital to find the resort that’s right for you and meets your group’s expectations. Whether it’s team building, multi-generational family reunion, destination wedding, sporting group, it’s critical to have a good fit.

What type of all-inclusive would you pick for YOUR group?

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