Marie Rowe Travel

29/05/2026

INTRODUCING PANDAW ⚓

There’s river cruising, and then there’s Pandaw.

If your idea of a cruise involves waterslides, matching lanyards, and fighting for a sunbed at 7am, this probably isn’t for you. But if you're seeking off-the-beaten-track adventures, culture, authenticity, and incredible cuisine - read on.

Pandaw’s small ships explore some of Asia’s most fascinating waterways, reaching remote villages, communities, monasteries and riverside landscapes that simply aren’t accessible by road or by larger vessels. With just 10 to 28 cabins on many of their ships, the experience feels far more like travelling with a small group of curious, like-minded people than joining a traditional cruise.

The ships themselves are full of character, with teak decks, open-air spaces and an old-world charm that feels entirely in keeping with the destinations they sail through. The focus here isn’t onboard entertainment. It’s the river outside your window, the people you meet along the way, and the feeling that you’re seeing a side of Asia many travellers never reach.

One of the reasons I’m so drawn to Pandaw is how deeply connected their itineraries are to local life. Excursions focus on authentic communities, markets, workshops and cultural experiences rather than manufactured tourist attractions.

In January, I’ll be experiencing this for myself on Pandaw’s 9-night Hooghly River journey in India, and I genuinely can’t wait. India has a habit of revealing another layer of itself every time you visit, and this feels like an entirely different perspective again. Travelling by river through West Bengal, visiting villages and communities that can’t easily be reached by road, sounds exactly like the kind of trip I love most - slow travel with meaningful encounters.

⭐Kids under 18 travel free
⭐No single supplement available on many dates
⭐Combo expeditions available

If you’ve ever been curious about river cruising but want something far removed from the mainstream, Pandaw is well worth a look.

Get in touch for more information to plan your next tailor-made adventure in Asia with a Pandaw expedition built in!

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

26/05/2026

SAFARI WITH KIDS 🦒🐘🐆

“We’ll take the kids on safari when they’re older.”

I hear this constantly, usually because people assume safari isn’t especially family friendly. And to be fair, some safari camps are designed around adults who are very happy to sit in silence for four hours waiting for a leopard to blink.

But safari isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s where speaking to someone who actually understands the differences becomes quite important.

There are some truly exceptional safari experiences designed with families in mind, where children are not simply tolerated but genuinely catered for.

One of my top recommendations is Shamwari in South Africa.

The family accommodation works beautifully, there are facilities and activities for different ages, and the whole experience is designed to make children feel included in the adventure rather than like slightly inconvenient smaller humans who’ve wandered into the wrong holiday.

It’s also located in a malaria-free part of South Africa, which for many families is a huge advantage. No anti-malarial medication schedules, no worrying about persuading a six-year-old to swallow tablets with the enthusiasm of a hostage negotiator, and no additional vaccinations beyond the usual travel advice.

What I love about family safari done properly is that it becomes educational without feeling educational. One minute they’re spotting elephants from a game vehicle, the next they’re asking questions about ecosystems, conservation and animal behaviour entirely voluntarily. A rare parenting victory.

It’s also worth mentioning that safari can actually be more affordable while children are younger, before school holiday pricing and teenage appetites arrive with the subtlety of a charging rhino.

And honestly, seeing safari through a child’s eyes is rather wonderful. Adults are usually focused on ticking off the Big Five. Children are often just as impressed by dung beetles!

Safari with children absolutely can work beautifully. You just need the right reserve, the right lodge, and the right advice from the start.

If you're considering taking your children on a once in a lifetime wildlife adventure, get in touch for more inspiration and to plan & book your family safari with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

14/05/2026

CRETE 🇬🇷

⭐ Throwback Thursday ⭐

This week I dug out some photos from an epic road trip I took around Crete a couple of years ago because right now, Crete is having a moment.

Whilst I do love showcasing some of the smaller, lesser known Greek Islands, Crete is my absolute favourite when it comes to the bigger, better knows islands that are more popular with families and summer holidaymakers. It's easy to see why - this island has it all! From all-inclusive luxury beachfront hotels ranging from family friendly properties with waterparks to adult-only escapes, to sea view villas in all shapes and sizes, and mountain lodges. Whatever you need - Crete is the answer.

My trip included a gorgeous stay in the White mountains, a hotel on the south coast only accessible by boat, and a hotel in the heart of Chania. My highlights included exploring the ancient ruins, enjoyed wine tasting at a vineyard estate, experiencing a cooking class and eating lunch with the locals, and visiting the pink sands of Elafonissi beach.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing break, a fun filled family holiday, an off the beaten track adventure, or a group tour experience - get in touch to plan and book your next trip to Crete.

My personal service includes 100% financial protection, expert advice, and 24/7 support at no extra cost.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

07/05/2026

CANADA 🇨🇦

⭐ Throwback Thursday ⭐

Everyone wants to go to Canada, right?!

My clients often come to me with a huge list of places they want to visit across Canada. My advice is always the same - choose one part of this ginormous country, and do it well.

Here are a few snaps from a trip I took to Ontario where I did just that!

By spending time in one region, I got to experience the city sights of Toronto, the magnificent Niagara Falls, wine tasing in Niagara on the Lake, a trolley ride through Kingston, a bucket list ticking helicopter flight over Thousand Islands, and a boat trip out to Boldt Castle from Rockport, the amazing culture and food scene of Ottawa, and the delights of nature at Rice Lake.

THAT is an adventure! It was the perfect way to spend a week in Canada rather than cramming too much into one itinerary, rushing around, and missing out on embracing the destination and comfortably enjoying all that it has to offer.

Whether you're looking to plan a trip like mine to Ontario, a week in and around Vancouver, a rail journey through the Rockies, or something else - get in touch to plan and book a perfectly paced trip to suit you and your budget.

As a certified Canada specialist, and Rocky Mountaineer specialist, I LOVE to talk about Canada.

If Canada is on your travel wish list, get in touch to start planning your next adventure with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

01/05/2026

SAFARI & BEACH 🐘🐆🦒

I have been discussing and booking all kinds of safari and beach combinations recently and it got me thinking about my top recommendations for destinations where you can do both - without leaving the country!

Whether you're looking for a multi-stop adventure to traverse the national parks of Kenya before relaxing at the coast, or spotting tigers in the Indian jungle before a stay on the beaches of Goa - these 5 countries offer quality safari and beach experiences without racking up a huge amount of airmiles flying to a second country.

Whether you're looking for a family trip of a lifetime, a memorable honeymoon, or a solo adventure, these are my top recommendations for countries that have incredible wildlife and beautiful beaches to suit all budgets, and all on one visa (if you even need one).

Get in touch for more inspiration and to plan & book your next magical safari and beach break with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

30/04/2026

UZBEKISTAN 🇺🇿

⭐ Throwback Thursday ⭐

With the 5 Stans of Middle Asia becoming increasingly popular with British adventure seekers, I thought I'd share a few snaps from my trip to Uzbekistan.

TV shows like Race Across the World (Check out tonight's episode) have been showcasing the scenic beauty, rich history and stunning architecture of this incredible part of the World - and let's not forget Joanna Lumley who kick-started my own fascination with the Silk Road route!

Whether you're looking to join an escorted tour, or you fancy your own tailor-made private trip to explore the unique history of the Silk Road, I can help you plan and book the perfect itinerary.

Get in touch to book your next adventure with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

22/04/2026

INTRODUCING...

☀ Palmaïa - The House of AïA ☀

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Mayan jungle, Palmaïa stands as a sanctuary of conscious luxury.

A ground-breaking wellness concept where nourishment, movement, sound, and spirit unite to inspire transformation and reconnection with self.

Nature meets design across a 1 km beach enclave, featuring multiple hidden beach
coves for more intimate moments by the sea.

Experience a holistic program of over 50 classes a week, guided by experienced practitioners. From yoga and meditation to cacao and forgiveness ceremonies.

Join barefoot gatherings at sunset where ancestral rhythms, deep beats, and ocean breeze merge.

Enjoy a la carte dining, whether it’s on the beach, at a table, or in one of six themed restaurants and food venues that cross the seven seas on a culinary adventure worth traveling for.

This is a truly unique experience where you can enjoy all the elements of an all-inclusive 5* luxury beachfront experience, whilst connecting with nature, and yourself.

Get in touch to hear more about this incredible hotel and to plan & book your next luxury beach retreat in Mexico with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

17/04/2026

THIS IS CAPPADOCIA 🇹🇷

Did you see Cappadocia make an appearance on Race Across the World this week?

It brought back all the incredible memories of my trip there a few years ago!

It was on my travel wish list for a loooong time, and I know this is the same for so many people. It's easy to put off because the perception is that it's remote and difficult to get to.

In reality, it’s surprisingly easy to reach and works beautifully as a long weekend or a short addition to a wider trip in Türkiye such as a city break in Istanbul. No expedition-level planning required.

The sunrise hot air balloon flight is still one of my standout travel moments of all time. Floating over the Fairy Chimneys is a truly unique experience that fully lives up to expectations.

That said, you don’t have to leave the ground to appreciate it. Watching 150 balloons drift overhead from a rooftop terrace is just as magical.

You'll be surprised by how much there is to do beyond the balloons:

🔸Exploring the different rock valleys
🔸 Visiting ancient underground cities
🔸 Gentle hiking routes
🔸 Horse riding at sunset
🔸 Traditional hammam experiences
🔸 Evenings of Turkish food, music and dancing
🔸 Quad biking across the valleys
🔸 Local winery visits

It’s a place that manages to feel extraordinary without being inaccessible, and it works across a range of budgets depending on how you choose to experience it.

Get in touch to hear more about Cappadocia and to plan & book your next bucket list ticking adventure of a lifetime with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

15/04/2026

NEED SOME INSPIRATION?

Planning travel at the moment can feel a bit overwhelming. I know this because I also plan my own regular holidays.

For many right now, the issues come from too many options, and a temptation to default to the obvious, which is sometimes where it ends through lack of enthusiasm.

But sometimes the best trips come from thinking outside of the box. Looking at what you already know you love, and building from there.

I’ve just planned my own holiday using this exact approach. Four simple questions:

1️⃣ What is your favourite destination?
👉 India

2️⃣ Name a travel experience you've genuinely loved?
👉 A riverboat journey on the Nile

3️⃣What is your preferred style of travel?
👉 Small group adventure touring

4️⃣ What kind of vibe are you looking for?
👉 Off the beaten track adventure

Instead of dismissing India because I’ve already been, I used those answers to shape something completely different.

The result is a return to India, but not the India I know. This time, it’s off the beaten track - the lower Ganges in West Bengal. A slow river journey on a small luxury expedition vessel with Pandaw Cruises, with just 18 cabins onboard, and no single occupancy supplement (massive bonus if you hate room sharing!).

It includes daily guided excursions, shared with a small group, so it feels far closer to an immersive touring experience than a traditional cruise.

Familiar, but entirely new ☑️

It’s a useful reminder that you don’t always need a brand new country to create a fresh experience. Often, it’s about combining the right elements in a more thoughtful way.

This is exactly how I work with my clients. Asking the right questions, understanding what really resonates, and then shaping something that feels both exciting and reassuring at the same time.

If travel feels overwhelming right now, start with what you already know you love.

If this inspires your travel planning with a new perspective, get in touch with your answers to the questions above and I'll help you plan your perfect next adventure.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

05/04/2026

RIVER ADVENTURES 🌍

If you have only ever considered river cruising in Europe, it may be time to look at it differently.

From the Mekong to the Amazon, you can experience immersive journeys, small ships and deeper cultural connection in some of the worlds most fascinating destinations, at a pace that feels meaningful and calm.

Read more here 👇
https://www.marierowetravel.com/river-adventures

If river adventures along some of the worlds most culturally rich waterways appeals to you, get in touch to plan & book your next adventure with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 marierowetravel.com

From the Mekong to the Amazon, explore river cruises shaped by culture, connection and a more considered pace.