I had never been a big fan of cruises or group travel in general. But from the moment I set sail on my first European river cruise, I was hooked.
Whether exploring France's wine regions, historic capital cities along the Danube, the castle-lined Rhine or Portugal's scenic Douro Valley, there is — in my opinion — no better, more relaxed way to explore Europe than with the only-unpack-once convenience and comfort from what is essentially a floating boutique hotel.
And if you want to learn more about Europe's history and landmarks, daily excursions, complete with local guides, are included (along with meals and often alcoholic beverages) on lines catering to international travelers.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on The Points Guy Articles.


