Shauna Spills the Tea: Why I Ditch the Brochures and Board the Ships!

Hey Fancy Fox Fam,

Shauna here, back with another travel truth bomb! You might be wondering why I, your friendly neighborhood travel guru, spend so much time jet-setting around the globe. Sure, some of it's for the Insta-worthy moments (guilty!), but there's a much bigger reason: to get the real deal on travel experiences, straight from the source!

Think about it. Can you truly know a hotel's vibe from a brochure or a webinar? Nope! That's why I take the plunge and experience them myself. Recently, I set sail on a European river cruise that, well, let's just say wasn't quite the luxurious escape I envisioned. While the pictures online were pretty, the reality didn't quite match the hype, think The Kardashian's- after the photoshopping and airbrushing, what is really going on?

Here's the thing, folks. You won't find out about nickel-and-diming, communication breakdowns, or excursion frustrations by reading a catalog. And let's be honest, who wants a cruise with a "bullish and scary" cruise manager or €3.50 tiny diet coke at "happy hour"? (Spoiler alert: not me!)

By experiencing these things firsthand, I can give you the inside scoop.  I can tell you if a ship's layout caters to American tastes (because let's face it, sometimes those European designs can be a bit...different). I can warn you about hidden costs and

ensure you're prepared for the experience you actually get.

Now, don't get me wrong, there were some positives! The housekeeping staff was fantastic, and the cabin closet was surprisingly spacious. But those little wins can't make up for a less-than-stellar overall experience.

That's why I'm on a mission to ditch the brochures and board the ships (or planes, or trains – you get the idea!). By getting out there and experiencing destinations and travel styles myself, I can ensure you get the honest, unfiltered advice you deserve to plan your dream vacation.

Now, who do River Cruises cater to? River cruises are perfect for curious travelers who:

• Love multiple destinations without unpacking

• Prefer intimacy over big ships

• Enjoy tours or solo exploring in port

• Appreciate scenery, culture, relaxation, and fine dining

• Like to be active and flexible

• Are social and value good service

• Care about sustainability
  

So, the next time you're dreaming of a getaway, remember: Shauna has (might have) been there and done that! And trust me, I'll tell you all about it, the good, the bad, and the I'm only drinking ice water because it's free "happy hour."

See you on the flip side,

Shauna

P.S. Have any questions about a specific destination or travel style? Hit me up in the comments below!