Vital Tips For Mastering a Barge Cruise

By Guest Blogger Marie N.

Vital Tips For Mastering a Barge Cruise

 

People tend to mix river cruises with barge cruises even though they are technically not the same thing. Typically, river cruises can carry more than 100 passengers, whereas barges usually accommodate a few passengers to a couple dozen at most. If this sort of vacationing format attracts you, first you need to know a few vital tips for mastering a barge cruise.

How to pack?

The most important trick to have on your mind when you are packing for a barge cruise is to keep it light. Space available on a barge cruise is rather limited so it is smart to pack items you can use at least several times. If you can, bring only one suitcase filled with clothes and basic amenities.

Try to orient yourself around two colors and choose clothes on a casual side – one elegant outfit is quite enough. Do not forget to bring a raincoat or an umbrella along for the ride and make sure to pack all your toiletries into waterproof bags. Keep all your crucial documentation in one place and do not forget to bring digital copies on a stick in the case something gets lost

Prepare yourself

Considering you will know what regions you will visit on your barge cruise, you can buy all the necessary booklets and study all the landmarks and locations before the trip. If you do not want to spend unnecessary money, you can always opt to research the internet for information. This is very useful as you can use what little free time you will get to the fullest.

Additionally, you should study the itinerary of the cruise once you get it. Once you familiarize yourself with the overall plan of the trip, it will be easy to get comfortable and enjoy your relaxing river-bound cruise. Finally, do not forget to bring along your trusty camera (and a charger) to have a record of all the exciting places and events you will come across along the way

Stay open for new experiences

This barge cruise is all about you, so stay open for new experiences. First and foremost, you need to come hungry. This is an all-inclusive trip so you will spend a lot of time eating absolutely delicious meals made out of fresh produce and pastries. The staff in charge of supplies will venture out to local markets and shops every day to ensure you are eating the best your money can buy.

As expected, you will visit at least one winery along the way. These establishments offer an incredible assortment of these gourmet beverages and do not fret when it comes to tasting everything. Depending on the cruise, you might even get a chance to drive a boat yourself as part of the experience. Additionally, do not forget to pick up a few local phrases and words of the language of the country through which you cruise. In the end, do not forget to leave the boat at every port. There is usually a good reason barge cruise has chosen a particular location as its stop, so unless you are feeling really unwell, do not miss any of them for the world

Know what you can give to the cruise

You have to remember most of these cruises take time and you have to be sure you have enough energy and/or patience to visit some of these regions in such a way. Barge cruises are not for everyone and you have to know what you can give to the cruise, just as you should know what to expect of it in order to have the full experience.

They can last roughly from one week to two weeks so you need to be absolutely certain you have chosen the right region. Most of these cruises sail along the rivers in France, like the very popular Enchante cruise, Italy or Germany. Once you have gone through all the hassle of planning and preparing, boarding and sailing away, it would be unfortunate to realize you need a completely different two days into the trip.

Barge cruise is a quintessential relaxing vacation. Sailing down a river on a slow day with a small group of people is as meditative as experiences can get. If you take into the account the fact you are traveling through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world and there is a treasure trove of surprises waiting for you around every river bank, you will only be able to ask yourself why haven’t you done this sooner.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.