You know that a key part of VACATION PLANNING is determining what type of experience you’re looking for. You typically go to Europe to ENGAGE in the history and culture. You typically go to a Caribbean Island to RETREAT from your regular routine, read a book, and drink tropical cocktails with paper umbrellas at the top.
You can do some of both too, but today I’ll talk about how to use the concepts of ENGAGE or RETREAT to make sure you’re getting the best vacation experience. This is partially motivated by some feedback a brand new client offered about a previous river cruise in Europe: “There were too many churches, museums, castles, and historical sites”. They wanted to retreat to the river boat, for relaxation and on-board activities. Clearly, a river cruise was a bad match for them.
Knowing which side of the spectrum you lean toward can make or break your next vacation.
TO ENGAGE is to be learning, tasting, exploring, and moving. These vacations are busy, often with multiple locations.
TO RETREAT is for recovery. You’ll be reading, relaxing, and slowing down.
HOW DIFFERENT VACATION OPTIONS TEND TOWARDS ONE OR THE OTHER:
RIVER CRUISES tend towards ENGAGE. You will be busy visiting historical sites, interfacing with local people, learning about the art, history, culture and cuisine of a place. And then you do it all over again the next day in a different location.
OCEAN CRUISES can tend towards ENGAGE or RETREAT… it really depends on the itinerary. A Caribbean cruise will often have half your days as sea days, giving you lots of time to RETREAT. A Mediterranean cruise may have NO sea days, because there are plenty of cultural and historical sites to ENGAGE with.
LAND TOURS tend toward ENGAGE. You are typically moving every few days, so you’ll be busy.
EXPEDITION CRUISES are more active, but often have sea days to get to remote locations, giving you some time to RETREAT. Often those sea days are filled with lectures, citizen science, or other activities for those that want to ENGAGE. It’s also worth noting that some may consider sea kayaking (for example) as an activity to ENGAGE, while others would consider it a RETREAT.
The key is designing your days intentionally, and building an element of both ENGAGE and RETREAT into your vacation, while fully acknowledging your vacation will tend one way or the other. You’ll find your sweet spot by knowing your default rhythms and preferences on vacation, and designing your trip accordingly. It’s NOT about choosing. It IS about coming home feeling energized and alive for what’s coming next!
Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED Podcast:
Check out our PODCAST where Kim & Bob talk about VACATION PLANNING, and WHY you should consider if your vacation is to be one of ENGAGE or RETREAT.
In Case You Missed It:
TRAVEL DISASTERS – We’ve all got at least one story where things went horribly wrong on vacation. Here’s some strategies to minimize that possibility.
https://pamperedcruiser.com/travel-disasters-and-how-to-avoid-them/
CRYSTAL CRUISES have the highest passenger space ratios at sea, and the most dedicated clientele. Find out why:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/crystal-whats-new-whats-cherished/
TURKEY & ISTANBUL: If you haven’t been to this crossroads of culture, history, language, geography and religion, here’s why you might want to give it a look:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/istanbul-turkey/
Featured YOUTUBE Video:
OCEANIA REGATTA Ship Tour: Oceania has four R-Class vessels holding just 680 guests each. Here’s our walk around REGATTA (also works for NAUTICA, SIRENA, or INSIGNIA):
Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there. It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!
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Today’s Travel Opportunities
RIVER CRUISING with AMA WATERWAYS
You should look at AMA if you’d like MORE choices for included shore excursions, an elevated culinary experience, AND a final payment due ONLY 90 DAYS prior to departure.
RHINE RIVER: Amsterdam to Basel departing March 28 for one-week
- Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Dusseldorf, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel
- Window Fares (D Category): $4548. Our Group Price: $4320
- Twin Balcony Fares (BA Category): $6548. Our Group Price; $6220
Paris & Normandy round-trip Paris departing September 17 for one-week
- Visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Honfleur, Normandy Landing Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris (overnight).
- Optional 2-night Paris Extension
- Window Fares $5349. Our Group Price: $5082
- French Balcony Fare: $6848. Our Group Price: $6505
CRYSTAL CRUISES Small Ship Luxury
The Crystal ships were built for over 1000 guests, but they have retrofitted them to carry 700. You’ll notice the extra space!
JAPAN: Tokyo round-trip departing April 5 for 13-nights
- Visit Shimizu, Kobe (overnight), Okinawa, Ishigaki, Keelung, Kagoshima, Kochi, Tokyo (overnight).
- Fares from $8200 (with a $250 pp OBC only from our agency).
BRITISH ISLES & BALTIC SEA: Copenhagen to Liverpool departing July 16 for 10-nights
- Visit Sweden, 3 port stops in Norway, and 4 stops in the British Isles
- Fares from $7200 (with a $200 pp OBC only from our agency).
- OR stay on for 29-nights for the SOLAR ECLIPSE from $23,900 (5 port stops in France, 2 in the Netherlands, 3 in Spain and 2 in Portugal
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Remote Experiences
Here are two of the best kept secrets in the country for incredible scenery and outdoor activity:
OREGON & WASHINGTON: Columbia River from Portland to Clarkston for 6-days
- Visit Portland, The Dalles (for Multnomah Falls and fish hatchery), Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Palouse River. Traverse the locks by river boat right here at home!
- Go hiking, kayaking, ride on the zodiacs, visit museums and wineries
- 2026: March $3308, April $5426, September $4335, October $4582
SAN JUAN ISLANDS for 8-days round-trip Seattle
- Visit Victoria BC, Desolation Sound for kayaking and hiking, Alert Bay for First Nations immersion, the Gulf Islands to visit quaint communities, Friday Harbor for the Whale museum, and other islands in Puget Sound.
- This corner of the country is a well-kept secret. Visit remote islands to see the sea lions, eagles, humpback and orca whales. Go for a bike ride in Victoria; kayaking, zodiacs, and paddleboarding in remote bays.
- 2026: Departures in October from $5061
ATLAS OCEAN YACHTS
With less than 200 guests, these brand new yachts will get you into small harbors, and other places the big ships can’t go.
MALTA & CROATIA: Valletta to Dubrovnik departing June 2 for 10-nights
- Board in Malta, and then visit Sicily, Crotone, 2 ports in Greece, Kotor, Split, Venice (overnight), and then finish with an overnight stay in Dubrovnik.
- Docking locations right in Venice, AND at the walled old town in Dubrovnik.
- Fares from $6804 including pre-cruise hotel night.
EASTERN CARIBBEAN: From Saint Maarten to Barbados departing October 14 for 7-nights. Go into small harbors where the big ships can’t go:
- Visit Philipsburg, St. Barts, St. Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Vincent/Grenadines, Bridgetown.
- Fares from $4958 – includes one-night complimentary pre-stay.
Includes Unlimited Beverages, gratuities, all taxes and fees, walking sticks, binoculars, trip delay, medical coverage.
OCEANIA CRUISES
Oceania positions itself between the Premium and Luxury brands, with a strong focus on the culinary experience.
CANADA & NEW ENGLAND: Montreal to New York departing October 17 for 11-days
- Visit Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Iles, Havre Saint Pierre, Corner Brook, Halifax, Sydney, and Saint-John.
- Veranda fares from $5599*
CARIBBEAN: ABC Islands & East Caribbean – Round-trip Miami departing March 9 for 12-days
- Visit Aruba, Curacao (overnight), Grenada, St. Vincent, Martinique, British Virgin Islands.
- Veranda fares from $4799* on the brand new ALLURA
*Includes Specialty Dining, Wifi, Gratuities, and the House Beverage Package.
LAND CRUISES with G-ADVENTURES
GELUXE is an upgraded product offering from Adventure Travel specialists G-Adventures. With a maximum group size of 16 people, and local guides, you have a very authentic experience.
COSTA RICA: San Jose round-trip for 15-days
- Visit San Jose, then go kayaking and wildlife spotting at Tortuguero NP. Next, it’s on to Arenal Volcano to take in the views, and visit a coffee plantation. Then into the jungle at Rio Celeste, to experience the hot springs, waterfalls, and cascading pools. Mount Chirripo for more volcanoes and the central highlands. Also visit Puerto Jimenez and Corcovado NP, and Manuel Antonio NP before returning to San Jose.
- Departures November through March from $7899 per person
SOUTH AFRICA: Johannesburg to Cape Town for 11-days for Wildlife and Wineries
- Fly to Johannesburg to join your group. Take a short flight to Pridelands Conservatory where you’ll spend 4-nights to see elephants, buffalo, and zebra. Carry on to Kruger NP for more safari drives. Take another short flight to Capetown, where you’ll walk, cycle, and kayak through the vineyards in Franschhoek, before finishing up in Cape Town for 2-nights.
- Departures in November & December from $4949
TRAVELLING in SUMMER 2026? Be READY
FIFA WORLD CUP is the largest sporting event on the planet, and it’s coming to North America next summer. Even if you’re NOT a Soccer fan, you SHOULD have this on your radar if you plan to travel (internationally or domestically) in June or July of 2026. Here’s why:
- AIR TRAVEL domestically, as well as to/from Canada and Mexico will be very busy. You should be particularly aware of flights through Toronto and Vancouver.
- AIRPORTS: Even if you’re flying to Europe or Asia, domestic airports will be busy.
- HOTELS: If you’re trying to find lodging in a host city around game day, it will be tight.
- SECURITY: The security in airports and at venues will be enhanced, and slow everything down.
- SEATTLE & VANCOUVER: If you’re going to Alaska in June or July, book your hotel NOW. Both these cities are hosting multiple games.
- HOST CITIES:
- CANADA: Toronto, Vancouver
- MEXICO: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
- UNITED STATES: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle
FIFA’s impact on travel to host cities is equal to travelling to an Olympic Games. Be prepared.
If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
