55+ Living Guide Winter 2014 | Page 25

ailing on a river allows you to view the countryside in a particularly relaxing way, especially for those who prefer having land nearby. The cruises are generally from 7-15 days in length, and guides on board also provide a running commentary on the sights along the way. The most popular cruises are on European rivers, i.e., the Rhine and the Danube, and in Russia, cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow, but increasingly being offered on rivers in Southeast Asia and South America. A river cruise represents life in the slow lane, sailing at a gentle pace, soaking up the scenery with lots of opportunities to explore riverside towns and cities en route. It is a very calming experience, an antidote to the frenetic pace and pressures of our modern world, in nice surroundings that are comfortable, not fussy or pretentious, along with good food and enjoyable company. Diana Loeffel is the owner of Old Farm Travel Service. In 1992 she was awarded the Certified Travel Counselor designation (CTC) by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents. She served two terms as President of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and was a founding member of the NJ Travel Industry Professional Society. With over 35 years experience in the industry, Diana is bound to steer you in the right direction with your travel plans. Contact Diana Loeffel 518-235-1413 or [email protected] www.55PlusLivingGuide.com 25