I am very well known for hating ocean cruises.
I blame Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters.
Watching the original The Poseidon Adventure scarred me for life. Some people watched it and saw a movie. I saw a compelling argument for staying on land.
But when I was offered the opportunity to sail. . .
Read MoreI have traveled in many different ways, but river cruising continues to hold a special place in my heart. There is something wonderfully intimate about unpacking once and allowing the heart of a destination to unfold just beyond your window.
Read MoreHave you ever daydreamed about a place where silence feels alive, where icebergs rise like ancient sculptures, and where penguins waddle past as if you’ve wandered into a nature documentary? That’s Antarctica — and with a . . .
Read MoreThere’s something special about waking up in a new place… without ever packing and unpacking your suitcase.
That’s the magic of ocean cruising.
If you’ve never considered it (or if it’s been a while), this might be the year
Read MoreWhen travelers talk about their favorite trips, they rarely list itineraries. They talk about experiences that felt different from anything they’d done before.
That's where river cruising stands apart.
Read MoreImagine drifting from one storybook town to the next, wrapped in lights, laughter, and the scent of mulled wine. That’s the magic of a Christmas Market river cruise.
Read MoreRiver cruising feels like time finally agreeing to slow down. There’s no packing and unpacking, no frantic train schedules, no crowds rushing to the next sight. Your floating boutique hotel glides into new towns while you sleep — and you wake up already there. . .
Read MoreThere are trips you remember — and then there are trips that change the way you see the world. My recent Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro with 3 Nights in Lisbon journey with Avalon Waterways was exactly that kind of experience . . .
Read MoreThere’s a special kind of calm that comes with sailing the South Pacific on a ship built for the region it explores. Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes in French Polynesia — the islands themselves are the star, and the ship is the perfect complement: intimate, Polynesian in spirit, and focused on . . .
Read MoreHello, fellow travel enthusiasts! Joy here, back with another tale from the road (or, in this case, the river!). We often talk about the pure delight of a European river cruise – the charming towns, the stunning scenery, the effortless elegance of floating from one incredible discovery to the next.
Read MoreAh, Bordeaux! Just hearing the name conjures images of rolling vineyards, majestic châteaux steeped in history, and the tantalizing aroma of fine wines aging gracefully in oak barrels. Now, imagine experiencing all of that—and more—on a leisurely river cruise that floats you through the heart of Southwestern France’s most iconic wine region. Welcome aboard "Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages," a truly personalized journey brought to you by The Joy of Travel.
Read MoreIn a world brimming with endless opportunities to explore and discover, Avalon Waterways stands as a beacon for travelers seeking unique, unforgettable experiences on the water.
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