European Wanderlust
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Have you ever returned home from a trip and immediately started to plan another one? Do you day dream about being in Europe often?
You are not alone—many of us face the same dilemma—why can’t I travel more?
You are suffering from wanderlust!
So, let’s explore together and learn about wanderlust— a common aliment among many of our travel clients and friends.
Wanderlust Defined
Wanderlust is “an impulse, longing or desire to wander or travel” (according to
yourdictionary.com).
This strong desire to travel is quite common among our clients and the Schraders.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition, it states that the word has German roots.
“Wandern” (German) means to wander (it is from Middle High German) and “Lust” means desire (also from Middle High German).
Literally, Wander Desire is the definition of Wanderlust.
Doesn’t this sound familiar to you?—I’m pretty sure it does.
Our Advice—Start Planning and Booking Now!
We have been through many ups and downs as travel advisors, but the recent shut down of travel by the pandemic is the most challenging event we have faced.
Changed bookings, restarts, uncertainty, fears and closures were so frequent we had our heads spinning, as we tried to help our clients and friends navigate the new normal.
But the end is here—it is time to act on your wanderlust feelings.
Maybe you miss sailing on the Danube
Why Now?
It is an excellent question—is it too soon or how do I proceed in the new travel world?
There are really 3 reasons to consider booking quickly.
First, most folks who regularly travel on ships have future cruise credits for both ocean cruises and river cruises. There is a large group who are currently booking in 2022 and vendors are reluctant to discount the value of these vouchers.
What this means is there are fewer “deals” than normal and many are taking advantage by quickly booking their preferred cabin or ship cruise at a pace faster than previous years such as 2019, and booking earlier than usual.
There is fear that in the last part of 2021 we are not ready to return to fully normal travel conditions prior to the pandemic. These include restrictions of comfort (masks, social distancing), but the biggest fear is getting struck or limited venues or restaurants not being open which devalues the vacation experience. This includes vaccination requirements and documentation to prove vaccines; quarantine requirements; if any; and testing prior to departure, during the vacation and upon return to the US.
I personally think many of these fears are overblown.
There is the pent up demand factor—I haven’t been able to travel for almost 18 months or more and folks want to solve their wanderlust problem.
The result—2022 is going gangbusters.
Maybe a nice glass of wine and some treats
Our Cruises Recommendations
There is a continuous roll out by both the river cruise lines and ocean cruise ships. The restart has limited sailings with good safety procedures in place. Some of these early sailings offer very good pricing, especially for October thru December of 2021.
Most of the wanderlust tribe, which we are charter members, are ready to travel and they are fully vaccinated and are willing to accept the safety rules of each individual country as more inventory and sailings become available. We will be able to give you our first-hand experience, as we will be in Europe in August and sailing on our 19th European River Cruise on AmaWaterways.
We will get to see these castles on our Rhine Cruise in August
If you are looking for really good pricing, less crowds than usual, we can help you solve the wanderlust problem many of us faced for the last year and a half with a 2021 booking.
My Final Thoughts
Wanderlust in Europe—it always a great adventure! It is just another reason we love the Old World of Europe so much! We can’t wait to get back and we would love to help you solve your wanderlust problem.
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.
When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision making process. We think we have all these qualities.
Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
