Why I Love River Cruising (and Why You Might Too)
- Victoria Ogier
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
One of the first things we talk about when a client says, “I want to travel internationally, but I don’t want to stress or figure out every detail,” is travel style. That’s right—how you travel is just as important as where you go. And two of our favorite styles to recommend are river cruising and escorted/guided tours.
Let me put it this way:A river cruise is basically an escorted tour… on a longboat… with a chef… and zero suitcase lugging. Yes, please!
Sit Back, Relax & Float Through Europe
One of the things I love most about river cruising is that it’s the ultimate kick-back-and-relax vacation. You don’t have to plan a thing. The itinerary is set, the food is top-notch, the excursions are ready to go—and the best part? You get to explore those charming little riverside towns and villages you might otherwise miss. Places where Google Maps says “you’re on your own,” but your river cruise guide says “follow me to the wine cellar.”
Let's Talk River Cruise Ships & Sips
We work with some of the best names in river cruising:
Avalon Waterways – Great for active travelers and stunning panoramic suites.
AmaWaterways – Foodie heaven with a side of wellness.
Viking – The classic, cultural powerhouse with Scandinavian flair.
Uniworld – For when you want to cruise in a floating boutique hotel.
Scenic & Emerald – Elegant, stylish, and a bit more all-inclusive.
Amadeus – Fantastic for those watching their budget without skimping on experience.
Each one has a little something different to offer—so choosing the right one is where we come in. (You didn’t think we’d let you figure that all out alone, did you?)
Escorted Tours: Not Just for Your Aunt Marge
Not into boats? Escorted and guided land tours might be more your speed. You’ll still get a well-planned itinerary, built-in transportation, and a professional guide who knows exactly where the secret bakery is hiding the good croissants.
Whether you’re wandering through Tuscany, castle-hopping in Scotland, or seeing the highlights of Southeast Asia, guided tours take the guesswork out of travel.
Bonus: you won’t need to drive on the opposite side of the road or figure out how to decode European train schedules.
Group Travel Without the Group Travel Vibe
Now, full honesty here—river cruises and escorted tours do mean you’re on someone else’s schedule. So if your dream vacation involves “no plans, no pants, just vibes”… this might not be your jam. But here’s the thing: you can make it feel more personal. Many ports let you go off and do your own thing. You’re not stuck in a pack unless you want to be.
Also, let’s clear something up: you might be the baby on board. My first river cruise was at the sprightly age of 40, and yep—by day two I was the unofficial tech support for most of the ship. (Pro tip: make friends with the 70-year-olds. They’ve got stories and Werther’s Originals.)
Great for Groups (And Your Wallet)
Planning for a group? These types of trips are gold. River cruises and guided tours are ideal for multigenerational families, clubs, incentive groups, or banks looking to treat their loyal clients. And many river cruise companies offer tour credits or discounts for group leaders—yes, that could be you.
Plus, inclusions are chef’s kiss. Some lines include everything: daily excursions, gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner, even airport transfers. Others take an à la carte approach. That’s where we help you compare and decide what makes sense for your travel style and budget.
Still Not Sure if It’s Right for You?
That’s what we’re here for. At Good Trip Travel Co., our river cruise and escorted tour experts (hi, I’m Victoria—also Hildy in our Ankeny office!) spend real time training, touring ships, and gathering the kind of insider tips that make your trip smoother than a glass of Rhine Valley Riesling.
We’d love to meet with you in person or over Zoom to help you explore the amazing world of river cruising and guided travel. You just might fall in love with it like I did.
Ready to float, feast, and forget your to-do list? Let’s plan your stress-free, all-in-one getaway—without hauling luggage through train stations. Call Good Trip Travel Co. at 515-422-7441 or submit an inquiry form here to get started.
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