Cabin fever? 

Dreaming of a warm place? Something exotic? 

Or maybe just something fabulously indulgent?

Two Very Different Ways to Escape

When winter drags on, cabin fever can push us in opposite directions: dreaming of a far-flung, unfamiliar, and adventurous escape (where it might be warmer)...or toward comfort, beauty, a stroll in pleasant weather, and being indulgently taken care of.

Do you want to escape to relax and be pampered? I think we all enjoy that! Or do you long to escape to a more challenging destination? Do you like to be 100% comfortable 100% of the time, or do you sometimes crave a little edginess, where you are less familiar with the language, the culture, the climate? Do you like trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone, or do you prefer the familiar? 

Perhaps, like you, I fall somewhere in the middle—the answer is yes, both. I am often risk-averse and resistant to change in my life—but in travel I have a more open temperament. I need the beloved, favorite destination, but I may also be drawn to a mysterious (to me) place I've never been before. As they say, variety is the spice of life...

Clients Can Lead the Way

While I was sailing in Colombia recently with AmaWaterways (look for that trip report in my next newsletter), I had frequent casual conversations with clients and other guests in the ship lounge or at meals. Virtually all of them expressed that they are really ready to roam beyond North America and Europe. I think some are ready to roam because they haven’t had the time in the past, and others are ready to roam because they might see their travel years slowing down at some point.

Some of these more distant trips require a little more preparation: perhaps an adventurous spirit or a willingness to spend more time on a plane; or, in some cases you may need a visa, an immunization, maybe even a little studying up ahead of time.

Thus was born the flash poll I promised those clients who were with me in Colombia: a special, one-question, focused opportunity for those of you itching to go farther and wider than the typical destinations (NOT that there is anything wrong with those—I will always happily spend as much time as possible in Europe!!!).

I wanted to get a more accurate picture of exactly who else would be interested in selected destinations, most likely for 2027, 2028, and beyond. 

It’s only one question, but there are many possible answer choices. Just to be sure we are latching on to the ones with the most support/interest, I’m asking you to only choose your top three (or fewer, if you are only interested in one or two of them).

Note that these would be only part of the overall Small Group trips program, but it's a part I'd like to develop. I know we still have strong demand and desire for all parts of Europe, and I have some European trip ideas in the works based on the main 2027 survey that you had the opportunity to complete a few months ago. (If you did NOT complete it and would like to, let me know and I will send you the link.)

You’ll find the flash poll at the end of this newsletter, followed by currently available trips.

The Counterpoint: An Effortless Escape to France, Ma Chérie

Not every escape has to be exotic, or should be. Maybe the best antidote for cabin fever is being a bit spoiled. For those moments when I want comfort, elegance, and fewer logistics duties, I’m looking for something like this Rhône River cruise May 10-17, 2026, with Riverside Luxury Cruises—an indulgent, warm embrace of an alternative to those far-flung or less-familiar destinations.

This journey is about:

• Being pampered
• Exceptional food, wine, and cocktails
• Springtime delights in Provence and Burgundy
• Experiences that give you a true flavor of the region
• Traveling beautifully on the Riverside Ravel, without feeling rushed

Pampering on the Ship, Rich Adventures on Land

The experience aboard a Riverside ship is positively dreamy, as I discovered last fall. But how about off the ship?

I just received my invitation to sign up for my excursions and the list is outstanding. I’m having a hard time deciding which to choose!! Avignon walking tour or kayaking on the Gard River? A Camargue cattle ranch (and flamingoes) or a morning in Aix-en-Provence? Perfume workshop or olive mill? Van Gogh or Nostradamus? Truffle hike or pétanque? Cave art? Chocolate? An e-bike ride to an abbey? The wineries! And guess what? That’s not even half the experiences on the list!

At the end of the cruise, I’ll be spending a couple of nights in Lyon and have signed up for a workshop on hand-painting silk scarves.

Aren’t you tempted to join me? It’s not an official group, just an opportunity to travel with me (and Bill!)…for one of the most fabulous trips to France that you will ever take. .

Feeling a little spontaneous? There are still a few cabins available. Reach out to me asap for details and pricing.

If you missed my newsletter last fall describing my Riverside Mozart cruise on the Danube, check it out HERE for an idea of the Riverside experience.

And check out this Travel + Leisure review of our upcoming France cruise HERE.

And now, for your listening pleasure as you contemplate the poll:

Other 2026 Small Group Trips Still Available for Booking:

🍺 PICTURE POSTCARD GERMANY: Europe's Rivers and Castles Sail this charming itinerary from Nuremberg to Luxembourg via the Main, Rhine, and Moselle Rivers, July 8-15, 2026. We will take in all of the half-timbered medieval architecture, the castles, the vineyards, the famous beer, and more. Read about this itinerary HERE.

⛩️ CITY BREAK DOUBLE DATE, September 19-October 4, 2026: Next year's installment in this popular series will be a week in SHANGHAI paired with a week in SEOUL. You may do only one city or both (and there are nonstops from DFW and other major hubs). Check out the brochure HERE and snag a spot today with your deposit. 

🐫 SECRETS OF EGYPT & THE NILE, Dec. 30, 2026-Jan. 10, 2027: Treat yourself to three nights at the Ritz-Carlton Cairo, a seven-night Nile cruise on the AmaDahlia, and a final night back in Cairo. Are the pyramids on your bucket list? Travel with other Mon Voyage clients to this eternal destination. Plus, the Grand Egyptian Museum has finally opened! Reach out with any questions and read more about the trip HERE.

Private trip planning: your interests, your priorities, your travel style.

The Mon Voyage private trip planning calendar for 2026 is filling fast. My best availability at this time is for planning your September through December 2026 or your 2027 trips. Reach out now, while I can still accommodate a few more 2026 requests!

À la prochaine,

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