| And how to know which one is right for you There’s something about the start of a new year that invites us to dream a little bigger, and a little more intentionally. A fresh calendar, a fresh mindset… and suddenly that trip you’ve been talking about for years feels possible again. One of the most common questions I hear from clients (especially families planning together) is: “What kind of vacation is actually right for us?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. |
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| Rather than starting with destinations, I always like to start with how you want to travel. Think of this as a friendly walk through four classic vacation styles, each offering a very different way to experience the world. One of these might spark an idea you didn’t even realize you were waiting for. The Classic All-Inclusive GetawayIf your idea of a perfect vacation includes words like relax, unwind, and no decisions, an all-inclusive resort may be calling your name. These trips are designed for ease: accommodations, meals, drinks, entertainment, and activities are all thoughtfully bundled together, allowing everyone to vacation at their own pace. All-inclusives are especially popular for multigenerational families, milestone celebrations, and couples who want flexibility without logistics. Some family members can lounge by the pool, others can snorkel, explore, or join excursions—and no one feels rushed or overplanned. This is the kind of vacation where you come home rested, reconnected, and maybe just a little spoiled. |
Ocean Cruising: One Trip, Many DestinationsOcean cruising is a fantastic choice for travelers who want to see more than one destination in a single vacation without the hassle of repacking, checking in and out of hotels, or navigating transportation between cities. Your ship becomes a floating home base, carrying you from port to port while you sleep, dine, and relax. You can wake up in a new place each day, step off the ship ready to explore, and return to the comfort of your cabin each evening—no logistics required. For multigenerational families, cruising can be especially easy because it naturally supports different ages, energy levels, and interests. While the grandkids are enjoying youth clubs, pools, and family-friendly activities, adults might be catching a show, taking a cooking class, visiting the spa, or simply enjoying quiet time by the water. Dining is also wonderfully flexible—whether your family prefers formal dinners together, quick bites on the go, or everyone doing their own thing at different times, cruising makes it simple. And for grandparents or anyone who needs a slower pace, there are plenty of comfortable spaces to unwind without feeling like you’re “missing out.” Another reason I love cruises for families is that they’re a great way to “test drive” destinations. You can sample several ports, maybe a few Caribbean islands, coastal Europe, Alaska, or even parts of Asia, and see which places you’d like to return to for a longer land-based stay. Cruises can also be tailored to your style: larger ships tend to feel like floating resorts packed with activities and entertainment, while smaller ships often offer a more relaxed, refined atmosphere with a deeper focus on destinations, service, and enrichment. Either way, ocean cruising offers an easy, memory-making way to travel together while keeping the experience smooth, comfortable, and surprisingly stress-free. |
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Guided Tours: See It All, With EaseGuided tours are a wonderful fit for travelers who want to really experience a destination without the stress of figuring out logistics, transportation, timing, or what to do next. These itineraries are thoughtfully designed to highlight the most meaningful sights and experiences in a region, with expert local guides who add context, history, and stories that you simply don’t get when traveling on your own. Many tours also include helpful “extras” like skip-the-line access, curated cultural experiences, and built-in transportation that makes moving from place to place effortless. This style of travel is especially ideal for curious families, grandparents traveling with adult children, and travelers who enjoy structure but still want room to breathe. And despite the common misconception, guided tours aren’t about rushing from one stop to the next—many itineraries include free time to explore on your own, linger at a café, shop local markets, or relax at the hotel. It’s a comfortable balance of discovery and ease, with someone else handling the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey. |
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River Cruising: Intimate, Immersive, UnforgettableRiver cruising offers a beautifully unhurried way to explore the world—one that feels intimate, refined, and deeply connected to the places you’re visiting. Instead of sailing past destinations, you glide through them, following historic waterways like the Danube, Rhine, or Seine. Because river ships dock right in the heart of towns and cities, you can step off the ship and be just moments from charming streets, local cafés, markets, and cultural landmarks, no long transfers or crowds required. This style of travel is especially well suited for multigenerational groups with adult travelers, as well as anyone who values culture, scenery, and meaningful experiences over nonstop activity. River ships are smaller and more boutique in feel, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everything feels personal and thoughtfully planned. Daily excursions are often included and designed to immerse you in local life, whether that’s a guided walking tour, a wine tasting, or a visit to a historic village. Onboard, meals are inspired by the regions you’re traveling through, adding another layer of connection to the journey. River cruising is also wonderfully easy. There’s no rushing, no juggling logistics, and no feeling of being overwhelmed. Days unfold at a comfortable pace, with time to explore, reflect, and truly savor each destination. For many travelers, especially those new to cruising or returning travelers looking for something different, river cruising quickly becomes a favorite, a travel experience that feels elegant, enriching, and effortlessly memorable. |
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So… Which One Speaks to You?The beauty of travel is that there’s no one-size-fits-all vacation, and no single “right” way to see the world. Some years call for pure relaxation. Others spark a desire to explore, learn, or reconnect across generations. Often, it’s how you travel that makes all the difference. If you’re not sure which style fits your family, that’s exactly where I come in. I love helping families navigate these choices and design trips that work beautifully for everyone involved, because the best vacations are the ones that feel just right for you. |
Dreaming of your next family vacation or Beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure.Until next time,Ronna |
