If you’ve missed it, we’ve been shortlisting two trips for each season of this year and inviting our readers to chime in with your comments if you’ve done a similar trip – and maybe even join us if it suits you!
For the Spring, we suggested a Mississippi River Cruise or a small-ship Alaska experience: https://pamperedcruiser.com/spring-2021-alaska-or-mississippi/
The summer will take us to either the Great Lakes or on a luxury rail trip through the Rockies: https://pamperedcruiser.com/this-is-a-tough-decision-maybe-we-should-do-both-trips/
Today we’re considering two international trips for travel this fall, and they couldn’t be more different.
These two trips are at opposite extremes in just about every dimension.
Christmas Markets Danube River Cruise
There are Christmas markets all over Europe (and the rest of the world), but the real enthusiasts insist the Germans do it better than anyone.
The Deal:
- AMA Waterways. 7 Nights from Vilshofen (Bavaria, Germany) to Budapest departing December 13, 2021:
- Standard (window) room: $2595 per person
- French Balcony: $3294 per person
- Prices include taxes/fees, a $300 on board cabin credit, a shore excursion in each port of call, beer/wine with meals (and during the daily pre-dinner Happy Hour).
- The prices above represent $1000 per person off regular prices
What we like about this trip:
- Europe is great in the off-season. It is true that the Christmas Markets have brought more tourists to Europe in winter, but it is still much less crowded than the summer months.
- More than knick-knacks. The Christmas Markets are much more than an outdoor shopping mall full of stuff you’ll get rid of at your next garage sale. There is music and art and culture specific to that unique part of Europe.
- The Budapest Christmas market has strict rules about selling only handcrafted items (no mass-manufactured goods allowed!)
Who it appeals to:
- Previous Europe Travelers. This is a way to see it from a different perspective.
- Shoppers. Most obviously, there are markets at every port stop.
- Christmas People. You know who you are – those who unapologetically revel in the wonder of Christmas.
Insider Tip:
People often come back with way more luggage than they left home with on these trips. If you’ve got “nesting” luggage, pack your small suitcase inside your large one, and if you need extra room for all your purchases, you can check two bags on the way home.
Alternatives:
- If you are less interested in the markets themselves, but want to experience Europe off-season, go in the first three weeks of November. It will be a bit cheaper, and even less crowded.
- There is similar pricing on these Christmas market trips:
- Dec 9: Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam
- Dec 11: Vienna to Nuremberg
Tahiti
If beach wear is preferable to parkas, then maybe you’ll want to go in the other direction. Rather than northeast to Europe, how about south and west to French Polynesia?
The Deal:
- 7-night cruise through French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises, departing November 6, 2021.
- Prices start at $6045 per person including flights from Los Angeles, all transfers, meals, drinks, gratuities, specialty dining and watersports such as kayaking and paddle boarding. Book by Feb. 15th and get a $200 per person shipboard credit… and a box of chocolates for your sweetie.
What we like about this trip:
- We’ve all seen the pictures of the bungalows over water and put it on our bucket list. Now’s the opportunity.
- It’s immersive. Paul Gauguin brings Polynesia on board. Some of the most frequent visitors to Tahiti and French Polynesia are residents of Hawaii, who say it reminds them of their home before it became overrun with tourism.
- This departure is being hosted by our Virtuoso colleague Scott Harvey from the Folie a Deux Winery in the Napa Valley. Any time wine is involved, it can’t be bad!
Who it appeals to:
- The Romantics – Paul Gauguin is currently running its aptly named “Take your Sweetie to Tahiti” promotion. It’s not just for honeymooners.
- People who really need to get some sun after a long stretch of being stuck at home.
- Those who love Hawaii but have found it has become a bit too crowded and busy.
- People who might otherwise go to a tropical all-inclusive resort.
Insider Tip: Tahiti is only 2 hours further by plane than Hawaii. While other South Pacific Islands are much more difficult and time consuming to get to, it is not unreasonable to do a quick, one-week getaway to Tahiti.
Alternatives:
- The Treasure Islands – One week trip on a Star Clippers sailing vessel that only holds 170 people. Tahiti’s pretty hard to beat, but the Eastern Caribbean has some incredible white sand beaches and tropical islands. Pricing in November starts at $2320 per person.
- The Seabourn Odyssey (450 guests) is also in the Eastern Caribbean this coming winter. It doesn’t have sails, but it does have a drop-down marina right off the ship, like Paul Gauguin. Round trip from Barbados for one week from $3499 per person.
Will you embrace the winter, Christmas experience, or the tropical, sunny one for your trip this fall?
Have something to say about this?
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/2921276298154865
If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
