14 October 2015

FIVE BOAT INSPIRED TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

If you said to me a few years ago that I would be kayaking 16km down the Dordogne River I would have laughed into my coffee cup – this is the girl who on taking a taxi boat on Lake Como screamed out loud as a wave nudged us to the shore – yep I've never been confident on water. So I've managed to avoid boats, dingies, ferries, canoes, kayaks and pretty much most water transportation, and on the odd occasion where you've found me on a boat I'm usually the one gripping on for dear life.

Then something happened, I became a mama. Yep it's crazy how much being in charge of a small person changes your outlook on life and where I would normally run for the hills, instead I'm channelling my inner daredevil and throwing caution to the wind. Slowly I've embraced the art of travel, and with an overnight ferry journey under my belt I was feeling quite confident to say yes to fun on the water.

So I thought I'd put together my top five boat inspired travel destinations that made me get on board ;)

kayacking adventures on the DordogneWild Kayak Adventures
This has to my all time favourite thing to do in the Dordogne. The light in this part of France is magical and there's no better way to soak up the honey coloured villas and crumbling chateaux than winding along the gentle current of the Dordogne river. In total we kayaked 16km and F loved it, we even stopped by the shore to enjoy a small picnic and go for a wild swim. There are plenty of places to hire canoes and kayaks along the length of the river but I would recommend leaving yourself 2-3 hours for this particular activity and be sure to grab a bite to eat at the beautiful Beynac.

Croatian Island hopping in Hvar

Croatian Island Hopping
Still one of my favourite travel destinations, the Dalmatian coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of unspoilt Islands drenched in sun and crystal clear waters. With over 79 Islands and 500 islets the Adriatic sea welcomes you with open arms to explore all it has to offer. I backpacked down the Croatian coast and can honestly say it has some of the most welcoming people I've come across in my travels. We took a ferry from Split and stayed on Hvar – one of the largest Islands – and hired a small boat to explore the coves and beaches dotted around, making it a perfect romantic getaway like some of these other sailing destinations.

Cruising Lake Como in style

Cruising Lake Como
Right up there on my places to revisit is the breathtaking Lake Como. After staying here as part of my Honeymoon this stunning Italian lake captures the spectacular scenery with deep blue waters and rugged shores, dotted with luxury Mediterranean villas and formal gardens. We stayed in the charming village of Bellagio with its narrow winding streets brought to life with wine bars and restaurants that lead down to the waters edge, and it's a quick hop over to Villa del Balbianello, which featured in the blockbuster Star Wars film. Whether you use the local water buses and taxis to hop around the lake or treat yourself to a bit of luxury with your own water limousines, this is certainly the place to visit for any romantics at heart.

romantic paris river siene at night

Parisian River Cruises at Night
Sometimes the best way to see a city is at night and by boat. Away from the traffic and bustling streets, I always try to make times to cruise along the river when visiting one of my favourite cities such as Paris. Although this oozes romance and is perfect for couples, a trip on an open top boat as night falls is one of the most fun ways to introduce your little ones to the Eiffel Tower. Imagine passing under floodlit bridges and illuminated riverbanks only to be greeted by a most spectacular sparkling light show from this iconic landmark. F loved this and I can't wait to go back and do this one again.

romantic venice at sunset

Exploring the Canals of Venice
From speedboats and water taxis, enter a world where roads are exchanged for narrow canals and boats for cars. Venice is a city like no other, the beautiful architecture, narrow puzzling streets and stunning piazzas makes it one of the worlds most popular travel destinations. Hire your own private gondola to see the floating city in all its glory, and don't forget to check out some of these Venetian hot spots.

Now that I'm embracing the water and even trying my hand at wild swimming, I can't wait to see what other adventures await. Do you like adventure or romance? Where are your favourite places to splash around?

** Images 3/4/5




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12 comments

  1. I love love love travelling by boat! I enjoy the slowness of it although I do get sea sickness. When I was 21 I took a cargo ship from South Africa to the UK, it took 28 days and was amazing, no TV, no mobiles just lots of books and tons of peace and quite. Like you I don't like rough seas so may seem like a contradiction but I am all about the slow travel and these are fantastic ideas and going to note them down for next years travel plans - great post!

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    1. Yep I agree I think as I get older slow travel seems to appeal more to me, I definitely think you get to see more it's just a shame it seems to be so more expensive then flying! x

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  2. Wow, that first pic of you and F!!! Well done for feeling the fear and doing it anyway. I'm okay on boats/ferries but not a strong swimmer (which i found out while trying some wild swimming in France a few years ago) so i know what you mean. I've never tried kayaking but maybe one day! xx

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    1. Yeah I'm not a strong swinner so I do have to be a little careful, glad to hear you were ok! I think you should definitely try Kayaking though you would love it x

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  3. So brave! Quite amazing to overcome a fear like that - I guess it has helped you and F experience more. Such brilliant travel ideas; I do love being on the water but for some reason it never pops into my mind as a holiday idea in itself - I'm going to pin this post for future reference x

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    1. Pin away ;) I would definitely recommend a night cruise - paris by night is so dreamy or Lake Como! So romantic! ;) x

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  4. I get a bit seasick but still love the romance of boats! The Kayaking sounds absolutely wonderful x

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    1. I definitely had to take seasickness tablets on my ferry crossing to france as I'm quite sensitive to the boat moviing but it was so worth it! Hope you get to try Kayaking soon. x

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  5. wow I'd love to go on a night river cruise in Paris! adding to my list of things to for another Paris trip. I also really want to visit lake Como after hearing so many amazing things about it! x

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    1. You would LOVE Lake Como just to potter around and relax and it's beautiful in June July! x

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  6. Ooh, there's a question! I like the blue waters of the mediterranean for snorkelling best. Can't wait until my kids are old enough to come along.

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    1. That sounds so dreamy! I've never really tried snorkelling but I think I'm getting brave enough to try it. x

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