Sarah Allen
Maple Grove, MN
Turn Wanderlust into Unforgettable Journeys
With a lifetime of wanderlust and years dedicated to exploring the globe, I've transformed my passion for discovery into a career of guiding others on their own unforgettable journeys.
My adventures have taken me from the bustling streets o...
Learn more about me.
With a lifetime of wanderlust and years dedicated to exploring the globe, I've transformed my passion for discovery into a career of guiding others on their own unforgettable journeys.
My adventures have taken me from the bustling streets of Beijing to the serene rivers of Europe and the French Alps in Chamonix. One of my most cherished experiences was a recent trip to Norway — from North to South. I slept in a snowhotel, witnessed the Nothern Lights above the Norwegian Sea and jumped into the Aurlandsfjord. This journey deepened my appreciation for curating seamless and enriching travel experiences.
As a Travel Advisor, I specialize in crafting personalized itineraries that cater to your unique interests and desires. Whether you're dreaming of chasing the Northern Lights, indulging in culinary delights in France, or seeking hidden gems off the beaten path in Romania, I'm here to make those dreams a reality. Let's embark on a journey together, creating stories and packing each trip with memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Can Be Reached At
1-763-577-2303
River Cruises Are the Best Way to Explore Europe
After our first European river cruise, we were completely hooked. There’s something magical about exploring Europe from the water—gliding past centuries-old architecture, vineyards clinging to riverbanks, and fairy-tale towns that feel pulled from a postcard. It’s a front-row seat to history, and once you've experienced it, it's hard to imagine seeing Europe any other way.
One of the most charming aspects of river cruising in Europe is how naturally it fits the landscape. Many of Europe’s most iconic cities—Paris, Budapest, Cologne, Vienna—were built along rivers. These waterways were once the lifelines of trade and travel, and today they still flow through the heart of city centers. That means your “floating hotel” often docks within walking distance of must-see landmarks.
In Paris, you might step off your ship right beneath the Eiffel Tower. In Cologne, the majestic Cathedral lights up the night sky as your evening backdrop. In Budapest, you’ll find yourself neighbors with the Chain Bridge, with Castle Hill rising just beyond your balcony. It’s the kind of immersive access that’s hard to match.
Why We Fell in Love with River Cruising
The all-inclusive nature of European river cruises was a huge win for us. Unlike large ocean cruises, river cruises feel more intimate—and more streamlined. Smaller ships have fewer guests, daily guided excursions are typically included, meals are taken care of, and many cruise lines let you pre-pay gratuities and book extra activities in advance. This structure gave us peace of mind while also freeing us up to do our own exploring.
We loved using the framework of the curated experience to discover hidden gems on our own. In Cologne, we went on a personal mission to find Claes Oldenburg’s Dropped Cone sculpture—our little homage to the Spoonbridge and Cherry back home in Minneapolis. Arriving early in Kyiv gave us time to deep dive into stunning Orthodox cathedrals and even stumble into a hidden speakeasy tucked away from the main square. It’s those spontaneous discoveries that made each city feel like our own.
The Ultimate Travel Combo: Cruise + Hotel + Freedom
River cruising in Europe gave our adventures a perfect balance of structure and spontaneity. With the ship acting as both our hotel and transportation, we could focus on experiencing each destination—without the stress of checking in and out or navigating trains and taxis. Every day offered a new view and a new city to explore, all while only unpacking once.
This choose-your-own-adventure travel style made it incredibly easy to personalize our trip. Whether it was our first river cruise or the tenth, we felt empowered to engage at our own pace—and that’s something we’ve come to really value.
Perfect for Multi-Generational Travel
One of the biggest surprises? River cruising is perfect for family travel—especially with parents or in-laws. We often bring both Mom and Mom-in-Law along, and they love it just as much as we do. The ease and accessibility make it relaxing for them—and stress-free for us. No constant repacking. No frantic sightseeing schedules
They can participate in slower-paced, guided excursions, enjoy wine on the top deck, or simply soak in the scenery from their room. With transportation into city centers included and plenty of flexible options, they never feel like they’re missing out. It's comfort, convenience, and cultural discovery all in one.
A Journey Worth Repeating
River cruising through Europe gave us more than a vacation—it gave us unforgettable experiences that linger long after we’ve returned home. From spontaneous finds in side streets to quiet moments on deck watching the world drift by, every day felt like a new chapter in our story.
Whether it’s your first trip to Europe or your hundredth, this is a travel experience that evolves with you. Each route reveals new perspectives, and every stop adds another layer of connection.
And the best part? You return home packed with memories—the kind you’ll revisit again and again, maybe even as you start planning your next river adventure.
Go to my main profile