Adventure Smarter Blog
Travel Smarter, Explore Deeper
Welcome to the Adventure Smarter blog—your go-to resource for curated travel insights across Europe and beyond. We share firsthand experiences, practical tips, and honest reviews to help you plan journeys that resonate with your travel style.
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All the Things
Find every resource, guide, and must-know in one convenient place.
Am I the Right Travel Advisor for You?
Planning a big trip and wondering if I’m the right person to help? Here’s what I bring to the table—from custom food maps and curated pre-trip recs to in-destination support and post-travel follow-up. If you want a trip that feels like you (without doing it all yourself), this one’s for you.
Travel Smarter: My Preferred Partners, Tools & Trusted Resources
Overwhelmed by Google tabs and travel recs from your neighbor’s cousin’s friend? I’ve got you. This guide is a one-stop shop for my go-to travel tools, packing gear, and preferred partners—aka the brands I actually use (and trust) to make trip planning smoother, smarter, and more fun.
From cruise lines and travel insurance to excursions, luggage storage, and that one adapter I never leave home without—it’s all here, with links that help me help you.
Let’s skip the guesswork and make your next trip easier from the start.
Where in the World Have Our Clients Traveled? 🌍
Explore our interactive "Client Travels" map to see where we've sent travelers around the world—from Europe to Africa, Asia, and beyond. Even if we haven’t been there personally, we plan every trip with expert partners and insider insight to create custom, seamless travel experiences.
Review: Tauck River Cruises – Once-in-a-Lifetime Travel Done Right 🌍
I recently stepped aboard a Tauck River Cruise to find out what all the buzz is really about—and let me tell you, it’s not just a cruise. It’s a complete shift in how travel can feel. This isn’t about over-the-top luxury or endless ship amenities. It’s about thoughtful details, priority access, and a deep respect for the places you visit.
Tauck isn’t just taking you to Europe. It’s curating the experience with intention—from early entry at iconic sites to a crew that treats every guest like the only one on board.
If you’ve ever wished for a calmer, smarter, more meaningful way to travel—Tauck might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Review: Scenic & Emerald Cruises – Luxury Meets Innovation on Europe’s Rivers 💫
I recently boarded both Scenic and Emerald River Cruise ships—and let’s just say, they understood the assignment. These ships are sleek, modern, and full of surprises (like a pool that turns into a cinema!).
Scenic brings the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive energy, while Emerald delivers a polished, elevated experience with a touch more flexibility. Both feel like boutique hotels on water—perfect for travelers who care about style, comfort, and a fresh take on river cruising.
If you're looking to cruise in serious style—with wellness spaces, chic lounges, and some bougie bells and whistles—these might just be your new favorite way to float.
Review: Riverside Luxury Cruises – Modern River Cruising with a Fresh Twist ✨
After just two hours aboard Riverside Luxury Cruises, I knew: this is what I’ve been waiting for. It’s river cruising, reimagined—with flexible pricing, wellness-forward spaces, and a vibe that feels more boutique hotel than traditional cruise ship.
Riverside is speaking to a new kind of traveler (hi, it’s me), and honestly? They’re nailing it. If you’ve ever wanted the freedom to cruise your way—without paying for a bunch of extras you don’t want—this might be your perfect fit.
Review: Riviera Travel – Upscale Comfort with a British Twist 🇬🇧
Stepping aboard a Riviera Travel river cruise felt less like a typical ship visit and more like being welcomed into a beautifully appointed British home. Elegant, warm, and refreshingly unpretentious, Riviera blends classic charm with thoughtful service—and even offers a Happiness Guarantee if it’s not the right fit by Day 2.
If you’re craving a premium river cruise experience with zero fuss, a touch of British flair, and genuine hospitality, Riviera just might be the one for you.
Review: Amadeus River Cruises
Curious about river cruising but not into rigid schedules or stuffy dining rooms? Let me introduce you to Amadeus. With a vibe that’s all about flexibility, freedom, and making the trip your own, this is a cruise line that lets you set the pace.
In this post, I’m breaking down who Amadeus is perfect for (hello, families and independent explorers) and when it might not be the right fit. Because like any great trip, finding the right cruise line is all about the vibe.
