BARGING FOR TRAVEL

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Imagine returning from vacation completely relaxed, restored, and rejuvenated. Unlike most vacations where you’ve been on the go for days on end, barging offers the best of both worlds – amazing sights, tastes, and sounds, combined with plenty of rest and relaxation.

If you’ve never heard of barging before, you’re in for a real treat. It’s a travel excursion unlike any other, and Kathy and I have been fortunate enough to experience barging at its best. Along the beautiful canals of France that wind through the countryside and boast some of the most breathtaking views, barging has definitely become one of our favorite ways to travel. 

Here are the highlights of barging and why it’s a travel experience worth planning.

WHAT IS BARGING?

Picture for a moment an old-fashioned, flat-bottomed vessel, once used to transport coal and other cargo to European villages. These were popular for a time until the railroad came along and provided a faster, more efficient way of delivering goods. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the idea of turning these industrial freight barges into luxurious hotels really caught on. Once people experienced this laid-back, intimate travel setting – complete with 5-star amenities – the barging cruise industry became a highly sought-after method of travel.

Typically, barges carry six to twelve passengers, which makes them ideal for friends and family traveling together. This offers a unique opportunity for exclusivity, and we always enjoy putting a group of friends together and booking the entire barge. For Kathy’s 40th birthday, we chartered a barge in France–our favorite country for barging—and invited eight couples for a week-long excursion. It was amazing! By the way, most barging trips are a week-long, which is just about right for the intimate travel setting and leisurely pace.

Most barges include a living and dining room at the top, with an outside deck for sightseeing and leisure. When researching barges, look for large windows that allow for great views. Some barges even have a jacuzzi on deck! It is wonderful sitting outside in the jacuzzi, or a lounge chair, watching the world go by with a glass of wine in hand and freshly prepared appetizers within reach.

The bedrooms are usually located below deck, and while small, they are more than adequate for the incredible journey through the winding canals of the French countryside. I recommend booking a barge that has air conditioning, especially when traveling during the summer months. Kathy and I prefer to travel during the fall and spring seasons to avoid the crowds and enjoy the nicest weather.

A few extra things to keep in mind: 

– Choose a non-smoking barge, if so desired.

– Make sure your barge has a quiet motor, especially near the common areas where you spend the most time.

– Double-check on the wi-fi availability. Kathy and I have found that most barges have a wi-fi connection.

Unlike river cruises or traditional ocean cruises, barges take you ever-so-slowly through peaceful canals, stopping at different locks along the way. (Locks, by the way, are sections of the canal that divide waterways of different depths). At each lock, you can get off on foot or on bicycles, which are provided for each guest on the barge. You then ride into the nearby village or into the vineyards, stopping to enjoy a glass of wine before returning to the barge (which might be two or three locks down from where you started). There’s never a worry that you’ll lose the location of the barge. It moves so slowly down the canal, so it’s easy to find when your excursion is over.

WHEN AND WHERE TO BARGE

Our barging travels have taken place in France, where you can choose from many different routes, including Burgundy, Champagne, Upper Loire, and much more. However, there are many barging opportunities across various countries, such as England, Ireland, Holland, Germany, and Italy. For those of you who like to stay closer to home, there are even barging opportunities in Canada.

The excursions available to barging guests include, but are not limited to, biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, golfing, winery tours, festivals, castle tours, and museums. You can also choose to stay behind on the barge, enjoying a lazy afternoon on the deck, sipping tea or wine, and taking it all in. 

Another perk to barging is the chase vans that are often provided. Basically, there’s a passenger van available at all times, so when you want to participate in an excursion that’s further away, you jump off the barge, jump in the van, and are immediately taken to your destination. 

Something to keep in mind, you’ll need to plan your barging trip at least six (and preferably twelve) months in advance. Look for barges with at least a 3-star rating or higher, and keep in mind you don’t have to choose top-of-the-line barges to have a great time. Trip prices vary depending on duration, route, and rating, but I recommend doing your research and finding the best bang for your buck. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about seasickness because the barge moves so slowly you can hardly tell it’s moving. I find this to be another benefit to barge cruising over traditional cruises.

For the first two barge trips we took, we used a travel agent that specialized in barging. I found the agent to be very helpful as she knew about almost all barges on the market and was able to answer our questions. 

WHAT WE ENJOY MOST ABOUT BARGING

As I mentioned before, I chartered a barge for Kathy’s 40th birthday. We enjoyed a week-long cruise with eight other couples. It was one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken!

Being able to enjoy up-close, intimate views of the different villages and landscapes is absolutely incredible. You can literally see people in their backyards! Views of sheep, cows, rolling hills, and beautiful pastures mark the journey and provide the deepest sense of peace and satisfaction.

We especially enjoy the bike rides through the villages and into the vineyards. Being able to stop and go as you please is a refreshing way to enjoy a leisurely vacation with dear friends and family while still experiencing things.

On the barge, your personal chef prepares the most phenomenal meals you’ve ever had. Truly, these are over-the-top meals that include authentic cuisine made from local ingredients. Some of the meals we’ve enjoyed were seafood, seasonal vegetables, home-baked breads, cheeses, and mouth-watering desserts.  Every course is paired with an excellent local wine.  We enjoyed every meal on the barge and felt like royalty. All of our friends agreed that out of all the cuisine they’d eaten in their lifetime, meals on the barge could be counted in their top five favorites!

Ultimately, barging is an intimate, relaxing way to travel. It takes you off the beaten path into some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ve ever seen. If you’re ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience unlike any other, consider booking your barging trip today.

ACTION STEP:

Research different countries that offer barging experiences and decide which destination is the right fit for you. Be sure to reach out if you have any questions!

By the way, I enjoy reading your views and receiving your feedback. Your views also help to encourage other readers on the blog, so please do share in the comments section.