Common Thread Travels

I have been planning out my travel for the next 5 years, both personal and professional, and at the top of my list is Egypt!! This is definitely one I will be saving for, but a Nile River cruise is the goal!
What is your dream destination?

🌊 Europe’s Mighty Rivers Are Running Low…

I have been talking about river cruising a lot with my special hosted cruise next year and my Global River Cruise Night coming soon. So I thought it was I person to discuss this topic!

If you have been following the news, you have probably seen reports about the exceptionally low water levels on both the Rhine and Danube Rivers this summer.

After weeks of intense heat and very little rainfall across Central Europe, water levels have dropped to near-record lows in some areas. On parts of the Danube near Budapest, levels have fallen within inches of historic records, while sections of the Rhine have also become too shallow for some vessels to navigate normally.

So… what does this mean for travelers?

🚢 River cruises are still operating! But flexibility is the key.

Some cruise lines have had to:

• 🚌 Transfer guests by motorcoach around the shallowest stretches.

• 🚢 Perform “ship swaps,” where guests continue their journey aboard another identical vessel waiting on the other side.

• 📍Adjust embarkation or disembarkation ports.

• ❌ Cancel an increasing number of departures where safe operation isn’t possible.
*For those interests in going with me next summer on the Rhine we will be sailing with AmaWaterways who has NOT cancelled any sailings so far because their ships are actually designed or go in shallower water. They HAVE modified itineraries and done some ship swaps but have continued to provide excellent service!

As a travel advisor, this is another reminder that having someone in your corner matters. If conditions change, you have an advocate who can explain your options, work with the cruise line, and help you navigate any itinerary adjustments.

Europe remains as beautiful as ever, and many guests still enjoy wonderful vacations despite these challenges. Mother Nature simply reminds us that rivers are living waterways and sometimes they require a little flexibility.

Have you ever experienced a river cruise during high or low water? I love to hear about your experience! ⛴️💙

These are pictures 📸 from last week on the Rhine River by Rüdesheim showing the Rhine River (not my pictures)

Lounging by the pool and enjoying summertime! It got me thinking about my plans for next summer, a Rhine River Cruise with family, friends, and clients, if you want to come along! 😉
That led to thinking about what trips do I need to be telling my clients to book now for Summer 2027?

🏰 River cruises!! They can sell out 12-18 months in advance!

🛳️ An Alaskan Cruise, especially if you want to do the combination of land and ocean! The best itineraries and cabins go quickly.

🇪🇺That bucket list trip to Italy, France, Croatia or other amazing European destination needs to have at least the accommodations in place. The more popular the destination. The earlier it books up!

If you have a specifie destination, must stay hotel, resort, or cruise for next summer let’s start planning it now!