As an avid solo traveler who’s used to exploring destinations on my own terms, I had mixed feelings when my boyfriend’s family invited me on a river cruise this summer.
Of course, I was grateful to be invited and looked forward to the memories we’d make while sailing on the Danube. But after reading the itinerary — packed with eight destinations in seven days — I wondered how it would be possible to get an adequate feel for each location. I also worried about my ability to relinquish control in the planning process.
However, since this would be my first international trip with my boyfriend and his family, I pushed those concerns aside. My biggest wish was for a week of smooth sailing, on and off the ship.
Having less than 24 hours in each destination took some getting used to, but there were unexpected benefits
As a late riser, I struggled with waking up early the first few days of the cruise and silently cursed the travel planner for scheduling such activity-filled mornings.
However, I soon came to my senses when I saw how much ground we covered each day — something that would’ve been impossible to do without an early start.
With our wired audio devices and matching water bottles, I couldn’t help feeling a little silly plodding past cathedrals and castles as part of a huge sightseeing group. But once I got over my slight embarrassment, I realized something: I was learning and seeing more than I ever had on my solo travels.
I recalled a solo trip I took to Galway, Ireland, where I had a great time listening to traditional music and sipping Guinness, but because I neglected to book tours or visit museums, I didn’t learn much. I also kept myself glued to my phone to avoid getting lost, which prevented me from being present to admire the sights around me.
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On the cruise, though, I experienced the opposite: We had very limited time in each location, but every minute counted.
One of my favorite days was an excursion we took from Linz to Salzburg, Austria. The day started with a 1.5-hour guided tour, during which we saw everything from
I Went on My First River Cruise; Way Better Than I Expected
