Your travel specialist on: A trip for generations

I read hundreds of brochures each week and when one jumps out at me, I immediately think, I must do an article and share my views with the readers who hopefully enjoy reading them. I went to a Rotary dinner recently and several people I didn’t know came up to me when they saw my name badge and said “love your article, it is the first thing I read “.

River cruising has been a popular travel option for several years now, and Uniworld, has been voted the World’s best River Cruising for Families ranked No.1 for four years in a row by Travel and Leisure magazine. River cruise ships are very unique and much different than large ocean going vessels. Many rivers and canals in Europe are connected to each other through a series of concrete locks and ships have to be able to fit inside each lock at 443 feet, it’s a tight squeeze. Children of all ages are fascinated when the ship goes through a lock. They cant be too tall either, since they have to fit under bridges. When you see that there is a 50% savings off the price for youngsters aged 4-18 when traveling with an adult, that is a smashing bargain. They fit in the trips during summer and winter school breaks, and have excursions tailor made for families. With up to 130 guests on board, the staff oversee all activities for young travelers, ages 4-11 and 12- 18. Complimentary bicycles and helmets, as well as Nordic walking sticks are used for shore excursions. All meals have child friendly menus, and the cooking classes are great fun, making pizza and pastry, especially the ice cream and chocolate sampling. Not only is it fun and educational for the youngsters, it gives the parents a rest.

Your choices are : www.uniworld.com

Castles along the Rhine – 8 days – Basel to Amsterdam – July 13 and July 20

Delightful Danube and Prague – 10 days – Budapest to Prague, June 28 and July 4

Paris & Normandy – 8 days, Paris to Paris, July 3, and 31

Rhine Discovery & Prague – 10 days – Basel to Prague, July 24

Danube Discovery & Prague – 10 days, Prague to Vienna – July 29

Grand European Discovery – 15 days, Basel to Vienna, July 24

Gems of Northern Italy, 10 days, Milan to Venice, June 24, July 1 and 8

Splendors of Italy – 15 days, Milan to Rome, June 24, July 1 and 8

Christmas Markets, 8 days, Frankfurt to Nuremberg, December 12.

I’ve been on every itinerary, several times, and liked them all. It is said that international travel plants the seeds of greater understanding, tolerance and compassion for others, preparing young people to be global citizens and inspiring them to make the world a better place.

Everyone deserves to see the best of Europe. Let us help you take the family on a great adventure. Perhaps put it on your list for next year, if you can’t do it this year, maybe a graduation gift, or a Christmas present from granny to the family.

We invite you to give us a ring, 650-941-5810 or visit us on line www.allhorizonstvl.com

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.