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5 Best Ways to Stay Active on a Tauck River Cruise in France

5/30/2017

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Biking with Tauck in France
Tauck's river cruise ships carry bikes so passengers can go exploring on guided tours or on their own when in France or any other destinations where the line sails.
By John Roberts 
So, you're planning a river cruise with Tauck to see Paris and the Rhone River in France? Good choice. You're going to love the meticulously curated luxury adventure from one of the leaders in river cruising and all-inclusive experiences.  

Did you know that you can choose to enjoy your 24-hour pampering and an endless supply of food and drinks with an ample side of fitness activities, too?  

Colleen and I sailed with 60 others on Tauck's refurbished MS Emerald, and by the end of our 10-day trip we piled up incredible memories while finding plenty ways to keep up with our workouts. Tauck makes it very easy with a variety of amenities and planned activities that offer a fun way to start your day or see the sights in scenic villages in Provence along the Rhone.

We 
found the five best fitness activities on a Tauck river cruise adventure in France. 
Seine River in France from the Alexander III Bridge
We walked more than 20 miles in Paris, almost always within sight of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River.
Walking Paris -- Your seven-day cruise is preceded by two and half days and two nights in Paris. We stayed at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand in the opera district in the city. The location is ideal for people to walk and see the sights. We spent our days strolling the streets and taking in all the top spots. It was our first time in Paris, and we aimed to see as much as we could. We walked to the Champs de Elysees, then all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. We walked to the Louvre and had a lunch in the iconic museum gardens on a gorgeous sun-splashed day. We walked to the cute artist community of Montmarte, scaling the hundreds of steps up the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. We only realized that there is a funicular you can ride up into the hillside as we were leaving the village. (We still would have hiked our way up.) 

We walked for miles along the Seine and crossed back and forth on several of the 37 bridges in Paris. We walked to the edge of Notre Dame Cathedral and Musee d'Orsay. And we walked to Les Invalides, a church and military museum complex and the burial site of Napoleon Bonaparte and other French war heroes. All those places plus anything that caught our eyes in between, such as the Eiffel Tower (often present in the distant skyline, but we got up close for a few pictures of course) and the Egyptian Luxor Obelisk in Place de la Concorde.

When we were done in Paris, we had logged more than 24 miles of walking.
 
Tauck river cruise morning stretch and yoga class
Raycho puts me through a morning stretch and yoga class on MS Emerald.
Yoga and Stretching Class -- Once we boarded our ship, MS Emerald, we had several other chances to get in some exercise. The ship's masseuse, Raycho, offers a morning stretch and yoga class. He helped us focus on breathing techniques and taught us some good ways to get our limbs warmed up for our day's worth of activities as we sailed the Rhone River and explored the countryside of France. We rediscovered a few old yoga poses that we hadn't used in quite a while, too. I found it to be a fun and refreshing way to start our day, even if we were Raycho's only students.  
Van Gogh drawbridge in Arles
One biking tour took us to the Van Gogh drawbridge in Arles.
Biking -- Tauck ships carry 12 bikes for passengers to use during their weeklong cruise, and two to three times during a voyage, a Tauck tour director will lead a guided biking excursion. We took advantage of guided tours with our Tauck tour director Simon in Lyon and Arles. These are easy pedals along well-maintained biking paths on the river and in the villages (Europe does biking paths way better than the U.S. at this point).

The guided tours took about 50 minutes and cover about seven miles. The best part is that we got to explore a little further afield, like the spacious urban park Parc de la Tete D'Or in Lyon that was filled with playgrounds, lakes and fields of flowers, and the historic Vincent Van Gogh drawbridge in Arles, which is the subject of several of the artist's 1888 paintings.
 

Note: 
All Tauck ships have bikes, and some cruise itineraries include hikes and organized cycling excursions targeted to more serious cyclists. These biking excursions feature a guide and special bikes provided at the destination (not from the ship).  
Running path on Rhone River in Arles
Fortunately, we had beautiful weather and the opportunity to go for several runs along the Rhone. On this day, we ventured out in Arles.
Running the Rhone -- Of the half-dozen villages and cities we visited on our cruise, all of them had paved and scenic paths along the Rhone River. We started a few of our mornings with a nice run. It was a joy to watch the sun rising and the villages coming to life on each side of the river as we jogged along, often stopping for a picture. In Lyon, a fitness park is located on the path right near where the cruise ships are docked. This is an ideal spot to do calisthenics like pullups and dips, and we were happy to join a handful of Lyon residents getting in their workouts one morning.  
Fitness center on Tauck MS Emerald
The ship's gym is small but good enough for a simple workout.
Working at the Fitness Center -- MS Emerald also features a modest fitness center. The small space leads to the spa treatment room where you can get a massage. The fitness center has two treadmills and two bikes facing four flat-screen TVs. The gym also has a few dumbbells (up to 10 kilograms) and floor mats to use. We were able to work up a decent sweat and fairly approximate our regular workout regimens.

Again, we were the only people in the fitness center every time we went in for a workout.
 At 40 and 50 years old, we were assessed by our fellow passengers to be the youngest people on the cruise. I also understand that we probably prioritize our exercise regimens more than most typical river cruise passengers, but it's good to know that these types of vacations can offer us plenty to do -- especially because I am growing to favor river cruising. I think that more and more travelers are staying active longer, and they like these options and amenities in whatever type of trips they take. 

The top sun deck on MS Emerald also has a soft astro turf surface that is nice for walking laps at sunset or sunrise, and we had fun playing on the ship's putting green and relaxing in the hot tub -- especially to soothe our bodies after all that activity we eagerly put ourselves through. 

Until next time, thanks for reading, and always travel fit! 
JR
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Best Way to Take a Guided City Running Tour

5/26/2017

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Picture
Guided running tours can take you to places the average tourist won't get to see.
This is a guest post by Robert Brown, who is a runner, writer and founder of Runabees.com -- a site that reviews athletic footwear. 
 
If you're an avid runner who likes to travel, you know how hard it can be to stick to your training -- or even just find a good route for your daily runs when on vacation or any other trip that takes you away from your home routine. 

A growing number of people are embracing more active and healthy lifestyles, so it's no surprise that the popularity of guided city running tours is growing. 

Companies design runs that are suitable for all ranges of runner types: amateurs, those who simply want to stay fit while sightseeing and even hardcore runners. 

Check out our guide to help you scout out a guided city running tour that suits your interests and needs. 

Guided running excursions might be free or come with a cost. As expected, the paid ones offer more benefits and extras such as souvenirs, T-shirts, certificates, beverages and snacks. Free tours usually mean you would give the guide a tip if you enjoyed the running experience. 

GET PREPARED: Plan your tour depending on the route and sites you are keen to see. Many cities have multiple types of guided running tours and offer various routes. Bring a good camera that you can easily carry while running. 

Many guided running tours will allow you to choose the timing for the tour as well as its length, which is definitely a benefit, especially if you are on a business trip, and your time is scheduled for business meetings and tasks during the day. Check with the company to see whether it allows flexible scheduling of its tour times and various routes to run. 

Check the weather forecast for the destination you are visiting, so that you can book your guided run for a day and time when it is not likely to be pouring, freezing or scorching hot. 

Guides will ask how experienced a runner you are and the desired pace you like. Also, bear in mind that the program probably will be a stop-and-start run and not so much a rigid workout because there will be points of interest that you will want to learn about and take pictures. 

Don't worry if you think you might be too slow for a running group tour. Many guided running tours include more than one guide, and they set different paces. Just make sure you discuss this matter beforehand with the guides. 

TIPS AND TRICKS: In some cities you can book a hotel that offers guided running tours. If you're an avid runner who makes training runs a priority in your schedule even while traveling, you can look for a hotel that offers such guided running tours when booking one for your destination. 

If you sign up for a group tour, you will meet various people from different parts of the country and the world who share your interest in running. This means you can make new friends. Book your run as early as possible, so that you make sure you can get the running guide and schedule you prefer. 

Ask whether the guides will provide the water or other beverages. If not, plan to bring your own snacks and water or sports drink. 

Also, if you want to carry a camera, a wallet and other personal items, it is a good idea to bring a runner's backpack, or ask your running guide whether they have the ability to transport your personal items for you. 

If you want to bring your baby in a jog stroller, children or a dog on the running tour with you, check whether this is allowed and what the requirements are. 

If you have special bathroom needs and requests, discuss them with your running guides beforehand so that you feel comfortable during the tour. 

Best Running Tours in Top Destinations for Travelers (Our Top 5): 
Off 'N Running Tours (Los Angeles) 
New York City Running Tours (New York) 
Running Copenhagen (Denmark)  
Go! Running Tours (Barcelona)  
City Jogging Tours (London) 
 
Do you know of any guided running tours in your favorite cities? Do you like to run in a new destination when you travel?  

Let us know. 
Thanks for reading, 
JR 


More running and travel articles:

7 Reasons to Go Out For a Run When You Travel 

Running and Biking Workouts Help You See More and Stay in Shape When Traveling

Use Beach Running to Change Up Your Travel Workout


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Cruising to Havana on Norwegian Sky for Our First Trip to Cuba

5/24/2017

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Havana, Cuba, skyline
You'll be almost immediately transfixed with the city of Havana when you make your first trip to Cuba,
By John Roberts 
The smell of sweet aromatic cigars wafted in the gentle warm night air as we watched the twirl of costumed dancers and singers come at us -- wave after wave for more than two hours. We found ourselves amid an orgy of oranges, golds, purples, greens and yellows. Feathers and chandelier headdresses. Tantalizing twirling tassels and too-tight thongs.  

I poured myself another rum and coke and turned to Colleen. She was already smiling back and giving me a dreamy nod. This was our night at the Tropicana. Crackling energy filled the large open-air arena. The constant applause for the performance and the swaying of people moving in their seats let us know that we had truly arrived in Cuba.  

Cruise lines are racing to add ships and more itineraries in Cuba, the Caribbean's largest island, which has been opened to ships sailing from the U.S. for just over a year. I sailed on Norwegian Sky's inaugural voyage to Cuba. The ship makes weekly stops for two days and one night in Havana before taking passengers for a day at Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay, a private beach resort in the Bahamas. 

On my first trip to Cuba, I was able to explore Havana on foot, in a classic car and during an arts tour arranged through a ship excursion. Plus, that amazing night at the Tropicana, one of the most legendary and historic entertainment venues, which recalls the golden era of cabaret music and dancing entertainment. The club dates to 1939 and has seen performances by Paul Robeson, Xavier Cugat, Liberace, Carmen Miranda and Nat King Cole as well of generations of conga players and sequined showgirls. 
Norwegian Sky cruise ship arrives in Havana, Cuba
Passengers were excited for their first visit to Cuba as we arrived into Havana Harbor.
Upon sailing into Havana harbor, I felt as if I was approaching any other Caribbean island nation. Like everyone else, I had heard so much about Cuba over the decades during which Americans essentially were banned from visiting as tourists. I knew of the politics and embargo and general animus the governments of the U.S. and Cuba shared for one another.  

But Cuba looked and felt welcoming to me as I looked over the city skyline at sunrise. Crumbling building facades and the 1950s colorful classic cars came into view as another morning got underway in Havana. 

I always aim to put politics aside when traveling. I want to meet the real people of a place, and the Cubans who I chatted with in the streets and at the bars during my time in Havana were so friendly and helpful. We stepped off the ship with no set plans for the day. Colleen, JD (a fellow travel journalist) and I decided to wander together on our first morning in Cuba, to see what kind of trouble we could get into. 

I'll tell you about our two days in the city and some of the best tips and tricks for visiting Havana that I think will help you when you go. (Also, check out a video of our trip at the end of this post.) Norwegian Sky pulls into a spot at the pier in the heart of the city, and we crossed a main street to find a town square.
Havana, Cuba, horse carriage and Che Guevara mural
Classic car and church in Havana, Cuba
Live music at Dos Hermanos in Havana, Cuba
Mojito at Dos Hermanos bar in Havana
This "super strong" mojito at Dos Hermanos nearly "knocked me on my ass," Colleen said.
Wander. Explore. Get. Lost. 
We arrived on the biggest cruise ship to visit the island in decades, and the city was abuzz in the early morning. The sun was already hot, too, as we started to stroll. Guitarists approached serenading the new visitors. Sly whispers beckoned from street corners: "Do you want to buy cigars?" 

We walked on, much too early to make a commitment one way or another, for cigars, classic car rides or any other set itinerary during our first moments in Cuba. Instead, we would stroll, down this alley, then that, boring deeper into the heart of the city, into neighborhoods farther away from port. We saw people carrying on their shopping, construction workers already dusty and sweating as they tried to shore up a crumbling wall -- and other visitors pointing their cameras in all directions, just like we were. 

Havana is extremely walkable. If you are staying for more than one day, it's worth the time to take a morning and just meander through the city. We walked about six miles and found pharmacy museums, city parks, town squares, markets, numerous paladars (tiny eateries) and finally the perfect bar to get some relief from the sun and quench our thirst after a thrilling day exploring. 

Dos Hermanos is just across from the main cruise pier, and we stumbled in to find empty seats at the bar. I ordered a Bucaneros beer, and JD and Colleen sipped from the most mint-leaf and rum-filled mojito glass I've ever seen. Colleen said she couldn't believe how strong they had poured her drink. It was cold, refreshing -- and powerful.
Norwegian Sky arrives in Havana
Get up early and get a good spot to see Norwegian Sky arrive in Havana.
Stunning Sail-In. 
When you arrive to Havana on Norwegian Sky, make sure you rise early enough to get a good spot on the rail for your approach into the harbor. It's a stunning sight at sunrise as the city grows closer and closer. If you want to take pictures and video, go to the front of the ship on Deck 11, passing through the Outrigger Lounge to the deck outside. If you want to just chill out and soak in the scenery, try an early-morning dip in the hot tub in the front on Deck 12.
Muraleando art community in Havana
The Muraleando art collective in Havana, Cuba.
Muraleando in Havana, Cuba
Unique pieces are seen throughout Muraleando
Fusterlandia home in Havana, Cuba
The mosaic wonderland of Fusterlandia.
Art Tells a Story.  
Norwegian Sky offers several excursions to help you become acquainted with Havana. We took the "Art of Cuba: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" tour that made a stop at the National Museum of Fine Arts before visiting two thoroughly unique and fascinating neighborhoods that have grown into standout tourist stops because of their commitment to a distinct brand of artistry. At the museum, we learned about the top painters, sculptors and other art figures who made their marks with works that depict Cuban life over the past centuries, daring to create commentaries on everything from slavery to recent decades of government oppression.  

Then it was on to see Muraleando and Fusterlandia. These two communities built themselves up as attractions through the collective hard work and vision of the people who live there. Muraleando sits atop a site that had been nothing more than trash, and community members 15 years ago began holding art classes in the streets and murals began to pop up using the neighborhood as a canvas for works highlighting fun and fanciful depictions of Cuban life. Later, community leaders petitioned the government to let them design a resident art project that transformed the garbage into recycled art pieces. Now murals, mosaics and sculpture fill the blocks of the small community, and the art continues to spread throughout the collective, which hosts events such as birthday parties and quinceaneras for its residents at no cost.  

Tourists are greeted by song and dance (you will be dragged onto the dance floor to participate) by the artists who are proud to share their story and spirit with visitors.   

At Fusterlandia, we were transported into a world fitting of a Doctor Seuss book. A street is filled with homes that have been adorned by seemingly millions of ceramic tiles to create hundreds of pieces that glimmer in the sun and make your jaw drop as you wander to explore every surface and sculpture. ​The art project started at the home of artist Jose Fuster, who was subsequently asked by neighbors whether he would "do something for their homes," too. What started more than 30 years ago with just Fuster's studio has spread to more than 50 homes. Fuster does not charge his neighbors for the work and has to make trips out of the country to secure much of the ceramic material to use in the project.  
Tropicana Club in Havana, Cuba
We capped off one busy day in Havana with a thrilling show at the Tropicana Club.
1952 Chevy Deluxe in Havana's Revolution Square
They didn't let me drive, but I had a great ride and tour of Havana in this 1952 Chevy Deluxe.
Havana Nights.  
We visited the famous Tropicana Club for a rousing show that featured a blitz of dancers and singers performing nonstop over two hours. Buena Vista Social Club is another recommended place. This night spot provides a less-touristy and more authentic experience (less expensive, too) than the Tropicana, according to a friendly teacher we bumped into on the street during our strolling.

Also, make sure you get a car tour -- preferably around sunset -- in a classic Cuban car taxi. We loved sitting in the spacious back seat of our 1952 Chevy Deluxe, watching Havana transform from day to night as we rolled through the city.
Havana, street scene
Procesing guarapo juice at a small stand in Havana, Cuba
A worker sends fresh stalks of sugarcane through a press to make guarapo juice.
Good to Know. 
We were able to use U.S. dollars and Euros easily at the places we visited. This is becoming more the norm we have heard. Some of our fellow passengers had been to Havana just months before our visit and said they were not able to use these currencies. Things are changing quickly. We have even heard that people were able to use credit cards at some businesses. This is good to hear because many visitors have faced the hassle of standing in long lines to exchange their money to Cuban pesos (the tourist money CUC), which can be a frustrating waste of time.  

When you use U.S. money or euros or British pounds, though, you are likely to not get the most favorable exchange rates as most vendors do a little rounding in their favor. But we had good experiences with businesses that came close enough, and the convenience factor was huge. You also will get your change back in pesos, though, and any CUC you have at the end of your visit will be heading back home with you as a souvenir or can be used the next time you travel to Cuba. 

Expect to be approached by a person who might ask whether you are interested in cigars or rum. They likely will start a pitch about how the "cooperative" is having a half-price sale on such items -- Today Only! You'll also learn that "when you buy from the cooperative, this helps Cuban people get food vouchers." This "cooperative" is really a private business out of sight of the government, and the hawker might ask to show you where it is and lead you to a room in a private residence where they indeed might have really good deals on cigars. But you should know what is really happening so you can decide whether to go make a purchase. Note: the cigars we saw in these cooperatives can be about $5 each compared with about $10 or more at an official store you can find along the waterfront or other areas in the city.
Cuba street marker on building
Havana Club rum at the Tropicana Club in Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba, horse drawn carriage ride
Thanks for reading,
JR

Have you been to Cuba? Planning to go? What are some of your tips and tricks for having the best trip? Would you consider a cruise? Let us know.
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