With all the planes, trains and automobiles to choose from, sometimes we forget about the pleasure of boat rides. The very history of travel is indebted to seafaring voyagers who took to the rivers, lakes and high seas to open up the world. Colossal cruise ships aside, there are a myriad of vessels plying the world’s waterways that are as iconic and adventurous and as the destinations they explore. It’s not just where you go, but how you go can shape a journey and reward you with the most memorable experiences. Here are some amazing aqua-trips from all corners of the globe to to get you dreaming. You’re bound to find something that floats your boat.
1. Venice Gondola, Italy
Cheesy, slightly. Expensive, yes. But when in Venice you just have to take a gondola ride. Use the water-bus vaporetto for practical transportation around the Grand Canal, but take a traditional touristy gondola at least once. Go for the gusto with a gondolier in a striped shirt and straw hat singing O Sole Mio as you glide under the Bridge of Sighs. It’s a romantic way to embrace and explore the watery labyrinth of this sinking city.
