the ultimate escape? A river cruise!
Fly the Coop to Float On A River
Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is take a big, fat timeout. Not in a dramatic, “sell everything and move to a yurt” way (though, cool if you do!). I mean an escape that shifts perspective, shakes off stress, and reminds us the world is bigger—and better—than whatever’s weighing us down.
And trust me, a river cruise is the ultimate way to fly the coop.
Forget the stress of planning every detail or the chaos of mega-ships. A river cruise (with a company like Avalon Waterways) is a “boat-ique” experience, floating through destinations—not just visiting them.
✔ Wake up in a new place each day.
✔ Sip wine where it’s made.
✔ Bike through villages that feel like a movie set.
✔ Watch history unfold along the riverbanks.
It’s travel without hassle. Escape without exhaustion. Discovery without overwhelm.
Every waterway in Europe is special, but my favorite? The Rhône River through the South of France—pure ooh la la.
I’ve cruised plenty of rivers, but Active & Discovery on the Rhône feels like the ultimate Freebyrding experience.
✔ Indulgent yet adventurous.
✔ Rich in history yet effortlessly cool.
✔ One day, you’re kayaking under ancient aqueducts; the next, sipping Châteauneuf-du-Pape in a sun-drenched vineyard.
✔ A feast for the senses—without the stress of planning a thing.
And the best part? It’s your trip. Want to hike Ardèche’s wild landscapes? Go. Prefer a slow morning in a Lyon café? Absolutely. Every choice is yours—because true freedom looks (and feels) like that.
Other Rivers, Other Vibes
Not all rivers run the same. If the Rhône isn’t your match, maybe one of these is:
🌊 Danube: Grand capitals & a waltz through history.
🌊 Rhine: Fairytale castles & cuckoo-clock charm.
🌊 Seine: Art, romance & riverside strolls—through Paris.
🌊 Douro: A sip-worthy escape in Portugal’s wine country.
🌊 Mekong: Floating markets, temples & an intoxicating mix of old & new Asia.
So, Freebyrders, if the world feels heavy—float. The river is waiting. And so is your next chapter. Fly higher. Fly further! Fly South!
[Note: I work in travel communications (including for Avalon Waterways), but this post and my opinions are entirely my own.]
