Boating holidays are a fantastic way to relax and explore any destination. They offer complete freedom and you don't need any experience to taking a boating holiday in Europe. There are many brilliant lakes and rivers offering a gateway into countries such as Germany, Italy or even here in the UK.
Boating
Even if you have never had any boating experience before, you can enjoy a boating holiday in Europe. Boats operate in a similar way to a car, so if you can drive and steer, you can pilot a boat. Many boating holidays are on canals so you will need to operate the odd lock or two. This is also easy once you know how and you will soon be navigating locks like a pro.
There are a good number of companies offering boating holidays across the UK and throughout Europe. Make sure you book with a reputable company who have a good fleet of high quality boats. You should also look for a company that offers plenty of support such as http://www.leboat.co.uk. This is a company who have thought of everything to make your boating holiday the best experience it could possibly be.
Relax
Your time is completely your own, no schedule to stick to and if you want to moor up for a whole day enjoying a bottle of the local wine and a good book, no problems. Boating holidays are great for couples who want to get away from it all and relax completely, but they are also great for families. Children in particular will love the novelty of the boat, especially when they find out that it is to be their home for a week or two. You can book a two berth or an eight berth, plenty of room for everyone. If you have chosen a good company, everything will be provided so all you have to do is stock up on the local delicacies you will find in stores along the way.
Europe has so many waterways waiting to be discovered and these can deliver you to amazing cities and take you through some fabulous countryside all at your own pace. Your holiday location will change from day to day or even hour by hour so there will always be something new and/or exciting to look at or moor up and explore. There is no traffic to contend with and you can't exactly get lost so this is really one of the most relaxing holidays you can imagine.
Germany is becoming increasingly popular with those who regularly enjoy this kind of holiday. The north east of Germany boasts a network of lakes, rivers and canals to provide an idyllic inland cruise experience. Renowned for crystal clear waters and Mediaeval cities such as Brandenburg this is a thoroughly beautiful boating holiday destination. Cruise your way down to Berlin to discover one of the most cosmopolitan and historically fascinating cities.
The Caledonian Canal in Scotland offers another, entirely different cruising experience. This is a brilliant way to experience the Highlands with breathtaking scenery all the way. Take some time to go ashore at Fort Augustus and visit the Clansman Centre or go in search of Nessie at Lock Ness. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, has a great shopping centre if you are in need of some retail therapy as well as a castle, some fantastic bars and restaurants. You can even swap your mode of transport for the afternoon and take a ride on the West Highland Railway.
There are so many fabulous boating holiday destinations, you will likely find yourself spoilt for choice.
AUTHOR BIO Jennifer writes regularly on boating holidays and travel for a range of travel websites and blogs. She is a keen sailor and enjoys several sailing and boating trips each year with her partner.
