January brings a lot of noise to travel planning. Inbox after inbox fills with reminders, countdowns, and recommendations. Everyone seems to be planning something, booking something, or warning you not to wait too long. It can feel like decisions need to happen immediately, even when nothing feels clear yet. What I see most often is not hesitation, but overload. When too many options appear all at once, planning loses its sense of ease. Trips that were meant to be exciting be

You finally took time off. You booked the “best” resort according to your Google search or asking your friends on social media. The...

This post reflects how I help clients think through river cruise decisions today. Choosing a river cruise itinerary is rarely about the season alone. Timing matters, but so do pacing, personal travel style, and how much structure you want built into the experience. I see many travelers get stuck comparing options without clarity on what will actually suit them best. This guide is meant to help you understand how seasons affect river cruising, and where thoughtful guidance can

My approach to travel planning has evolved. Today, I focus on helping clients choose well-designed cruise and European travel experiences that prioritize pacing, comfort, and fit over comparison. Updated 1/8/2026. In the era of social media and global connectivity, the allure of popular travel destinations has reached unprecedented heights. However, this popularity comes with its own set of challenges: overcrowding, over tourism, and escalating costs. More and more travelers

Budapest My approach to river cruise planning has evolved. Today, I work with clients who value well-paced, premium river cruise experiences and want guidance choosing the right itinerary and accommodations from the beginning. A calmer way to think about river cruise planning If you’re considering a river cruise and want help choosing the right itinerary, ship, and accommodations without over-researching, I share a monthly note on planning premium cruise and European travel w

No deadlines, no emails—just you, your partner, and the endless expanse of the sea.

When people ask how to get the most value out of cruising, they are often trying to understand how to make thoughtful choices that lead to a better experience overall. Value in travel is not defined by the lowest price. It is shaped by what the experience delivers in return for the investment made. Cruising offers a wide range of options, and there is a place for every travel style. Some travelers prioritize simplicity and cost control. Others place greater importance on comf

Slow travel is often misunderstood as doing less. In practice, it is about making better decisions earlier so the experience feels settled and unhurried once travel begins. For travelers planning premium cruises or European trips, pacing is one of the most influential choices in shaping comfort, flow, and overall enjoyment. When the rhythm of a trip is designed intentionally, the experience feels easier to move through and more satisfying to reflect on afterward. Time to Enga

October 2023, Robin Sweat, Owner Airline Travel with a Wheelchair: When traveling by air, it is essential to understand and navigate the...

Cruising offers value in different ways depending on how it is planned. In premium cruising, value is rarely defined by price alone. It shows up in comfort, pacing, and how effortlessly the experience unfolds once onboard. Many travelers wonder whether cruising is worth the investment. That question usually reflects a desire for reassurance that time, money, and energy are being spent well. Travel is an investment in rest, connection, and perspective, and the value of a trip

Robin Sweat, Owner, RLS Travel Boutique August 2023 2026 Update: My approach to cruise planning has evolved. Today, I focus on helping clients choose premium cruise itineraries based on pacing, comfort, and experience design rather than simply route or port count. Caribbean cruises are fun, beautiful, & there are islands a plenty, but there is so much more to cruising! Have you ever wondered what your options are for itineraries & ports of call? First, another vocab lesson

Robin Sweat, owner, RLS Travel Boutique, LLC. 08.07.23 Have you ever wondered what the different stateroom names mean? Actually, do you...

2026 Update: My approach to cruise planning has evolved. Today, I focus on helping clients plan premium cruises by narrowing choices early and sequencing decisions thoughtfully, rather than working through generic checklists. There are several things to consider when planning a cruise. I have broken it down into the 6 major things to focus on. This is not a complete list, but if you start here, you are well on your way to an amazing vacation! Let's get started! Lido Deck 1.