Below you will find a series of questions and answers about canal boat tours. If you have additional questions or would like to book a trip please contact us at 218-409-2540 or via email at david@savvynomad.com.
Canal Boating Questions
Q: If I go on the canal boat trip will I get sea-sick?
A: It is unlikely. The canals we go on are man-made, inland waterways in France. The water flow is controlled by locks. They are narrow, calm, and flat (and picturesque!) and the pace we drive is around walking pace.
Q: Who drives the boat?
A: Owners are certified with an ICC licensure and will be the primary operators.
Q: How many people are on board? Can I pick my travel companions? I’m worried about privacy. And what if I don’t like someone who is on the boat?
A: The Relax Companion has 3 cabins which sleep 2 people each. This means there is a maximum of 6 people traveling together. The hosts/owners sleep in the middle cabin next to the kitchen (galley). The bow and stern cabins are for guests. The bow and stern cabins have ensuite bathrooms (“heads” in boat parlance) so only you and your cabin-mate will be awakened by night-time trips to the bathroom.
For single travelers there are a few options: you can find a traveling companion, or you could pay the single supplement and have the cabin all to yourself. For duo travelers, you can find another couple who you think you’d like to travel with, or you can let us find the other people, or you could book the whole boat. We have had people choose all of these options. It is a matter of what you are comfortable with.
During the day, we are all quite busy with the daily work of operating the boat and setting up and breaking down our meal times. There is also time to take walks along the tow-path and into little towns. While on board there are four distinct areas to hang out: the pilot house, your cabin, the bow, and the upper deck. So there are ways to keep your boundaries clear. But in general, we DO all get along. People who travel with us like learning, exploring, and enjoying French culture.
For more information, see our Terms & Conditions, sample itinerary, and a boat diagram in our travel packet. You can also watch our “Tour our Boat” video on YouTube.
Q: Do I need to be athletic to go on a canal boat tour?
A: You need to be steady on your feet to navigate the small space and ladder style steps on the boat. You will need to be able to step on and off the boat, either by an 18-24 inch step up/down, or by walking on a 12-16 inch wide, 6 foot long gangplank (we all help each other by holding hands out or providing an arm). Walking one mile+ without sitting to rest is necessary if you feel like exploring any of the quaint villages along the route, and for going to restaurants, markets, wine caves, historic sites, etc. If you are up for it, you can also toss and catch the lines (ropes) when we are in the locks and when we park on the canal’s banks. Line handling is not required, but it is fun. And if all that is not enough exercise for you, you can explore the country side by walking (or jogging) along the canal’s tow path between towns. A yoga class may be offered depending on timing and weather and it is optional to participate. In addition, to get to the boat you must take the train, which means hauling your luggage up and down flights of stairs, lifting it over your head to store while on the train, and managing to embark/debark within 2 minutes at your stop.
Q: I was wondering about the meals. Do we eat out along the way at the various stops? Do we cook on the boat? I’m just trying to figure out how much money I need to plan on for meals, etc.
A: Our boat, Relax Companion, will be stocked with food for all meals on board. In addition, we will be stocked with paper goods, cleaning products, general food supplies (food staples), coffee & tea, fruit, snacks, chocolate, wine, and more. Sara will plan, cook, and organize our picnics and family-style meals. Dave will plan several restaurant outings for the group, he will be in charge of bakery outings, and he will choose all the wine and spirits. All on-board meals are included in the price, and all restaurant meals that we attend as a group are also included in the price of the trip. You will be responsible for paying for any eating you do on your own (such as if you are touring around a town and decide you must buy something delicious at the bakery). Breakfast is on-board. We will always have plenty of coffee and will also have a variety of help-yourself-items such as pastries, fruit, bread, butter, boiled eggs, or yogurt & granola. Lunches and dinners will either be at a restaurant or on board (depends on where we are and what is available). Shopping for bakery items and groceries from either a local market or grocery store is often done together and can be quite a fun experience.
Q: I have food allergies / sensitivities / preferences. Is that going to be a problem?
A: Regarding food, it can be tricky! It’s very hard to bring our American ideas about food and eating to France, and it’s very hard to have specific food needs in France. On the boat it’s easier as we can control what groceries we buy. (And you should tell us your food needs.) Although we don’t always know exactly what some things contain if we buy something that is pre-seasoned – like crackers, savory pastries, canned goods, etc. – we do our best. And in general, it’s hard to avoid eating meat & wheat. The French love their pork, beef, and bread. Sara frequently ends up ordering fish when we dine out as there are not always vegetarian options. Also though, on board we are outside all day and we don’t want anyone feeling faint so we do serve some kind of protein (meat/poultry) for most meals. Food sensitivities are definitely something we are aware of though and something we try to work with.
Q: I’m wondering what, specifically, your tour includes?
A: We use the “All Inclusive” model. You can find specifics on our “Tour Dates” page.
Q: How many hours a day are we on the boat and how much time daily in each stop over? Any description of what the days will be like would be appreciated.
A: Regarding on-board/off-board timing:
This is not your typical cruise. It is more like a family style adventure. We generally cruise from 9am-noon-ish, take a 2 hour lunch, and cruise again from 2pm til 4-5pm. We stop when we want, where we want, and you have a say in that. We try to end up close to a town before parking for the night so folks can get their walks and exploration in. There will be some days where we spend many hours on land and other days where we don’t. We have a few bigger towns we plan to visit where we imagine people will want to stay longer. There may be monuments/ historical sites / regional curiosities and wineries on the route. We may also offer yoga on board depending on the weather.
We gave a lecture and slideshow at UMD on history, hydrology, and daily living on the canal. It was recorded and is available on our YouTube channel. It will give you a good idea of sights you’ll see and what to expect each day.
Q: Do you know if the boat will allow us to plug in our CPAP (breathing machine for sleep apnea) at night?
A: Yes. A CPAP draws a small amount of power and the Relax Companion can accommodate the use of a CPAP when we are out in the countryside camping (off grid). Plugs are standard EU outlet plugs, not 12 volt. There are many EU adapters and multi-plug adapters on Amazon. You will need an adapter everywhere in France, not just on board. Smartphones automatically convert the electricity to the correct current. Your CPAP might auto convert too and it should say right on your machine. Most newer devices automatically convert the power from 110 to 220. Here’s a link to a CPAP supply site where you can look for adapters if needed: CPAP Supply USA.
Q: Can I charge my smartphone, camera, etc. on board the boat?
A: Yes. There is 1 outlet per cabin, plus 2 USB ports (1 in each reading lamp), plus additional outlets and a power strip with USB and USB-C ports in the pilot house. We will have some European plug adapters on board for use, but we recommend that you also bring your own as you will need it at your hotel, in the airport, etc. (See question above for a link to an EU adapter.) Plug adapters do not convert electricity, they simply permit you to plug your device into a type of wall socket found in the EU. (British plug adapters are different from both the US and the EU.) Converters may still be needed to adapt current from 110 to 220 voltage, or vice versa. Check with the manufacturer of your device, appliance, or travel item. Most newer devices automatically convert the power from 110 to 220. (As an aside, hairdryers are not allowed on board. They use too much power for our boat’s system.)
Q: Should I bring my phone? How will I make calls?
A: Now days most people use their mobile phones extensively, including as a camera, and do not want to go without their device while they travel. Luckily, service providers are catching up with this and are offering a variety of overseas calling plans. For example, we use an AT&T plan which included “unlimited” data and calling for $12 a day for the first device and $6 a day for the second device on the same plan, with a max of 10 paying days in a contiguous 30 day period (only 10 days are charged in a one month period). This allows us to keep our regular phone numbers (easy to call home) while still being able to call French phone numbers without any extra charges.
Do make sure that your phone plan provider charges for all of Europe, not country by country. We are close to Germany and occasionally a German cell tower will be pinged which could result in extra charges depending on your plan. Or, for example, if you take a train from Holland to France (through Belgium) you could get charged for three countries in one day if your plan charges you country by country instead of Europe as one area.
Some folks like to buy a local SIM card in France. This option will give you an in-country phone number plus data but will not help if you want to call home. Plans change all the time though so do check with your carrier for best options before we depart. Relax Companion does not have wi-fi or a hotspot. Some marinas do offer wi-fi.
Q: What should I do about credit cards and money?
A: Credit cards with the smart chip and PIN are preferable, and it is also good to carry a few different cards. You must have a smart chip card to use the automated ticket vending machines for the train station and metro. If you don’t have a smart chip card, there will usually be a ticket teller somewhere, but they are not always around and are not always easy to find.
Just like the US, not all cards are accepted at all establishments. American Express travelers checks are not used any more. Generally, it is easiest and cheapest to get Euros at an ATM using a debit card. Getting cash at an ATM with your credit card will be considered a “cash advance” and will usually incur hefty fees. Any card you use in Europe should say “no foreign transaction fees.” If it doesn’t, you will incur foreign transaction fees and that can really add up. If you pay your card off in full immediately upon your return you will reduce your overall fees.
You can also purchase Euros before you go but may not get the best rates. But maybe that is preferable to incurring foreign transaction fees. Just like in the US, only carry as much cash as you feel comfortable carrying. Money changing booths are no longer on every corner but ATM machines are easy to find. When using an ATM, if you are offered the choice to be charged in US$ or local currency, always choose the local currency option and let the credit card company do the conversion.
There are 2 very important things to remember regarding using either your credit card or your debit card over seas:
- You must know your credit and debit card PIN numbers to get cash from the ATM’s.
- You must tell your bank and credit card company before you leave that you will be traveling in Europe. Otherwise, they may think your card has been stolen and your account will be frozen and unusable while traveling. (Some credit cards no longer require you to notify them. But local banks almost always require notification.)
You can familiarize yourself with ways to avoid ATM and credit card fees by reading these two articles:
- How to Avoid International ATM Fees by Experian
- Currency Conversion Fees by Investopedia
Q: Can I bring my kids?
A: It depends. In general, this is considered an adult trip. We specialize in wine appreciation which is not a child’s opportunity. Also, there are many days where we walk for miles. Most younger kids would not be suited for this type of day. Safety-wise, our boat does not have any rails on the bow and would be fairly easy to fall off of. All that said, if your kids are older (in their mid to late teens), and you are interested in introducing them to European culture, we are happy to talk about a cruise that would be suitable for the whole family.
Q: I don’t speak French. Is that ok?
A: It’s ok if you don’t speak French as long as you remember to always start with “Bonjour” (Good morning / good day) and end with “Merci” (thank-you). The French are formal, polite people. These two words are the magic gateway to pleasant interactions in France. We do recommend learning more than that if you want to feel a little more comfortable in-country. The Michel Thomas Language Learning App is our favorite.
Q: Should I buy locks for my suitcase?
A: If you do, they need to be TSA approved so airport security can get into your suitcase if they so desire. If your lock is not TSA approved it is possible that they will make their way into your bag by force.
Q: What should I pack? What clothes should I bring?
A: Of course it depends on what time of year and where in the country you will be, but here’s a general rule: bring what you are comfortable wearing, pack at least one nice outfit for fine dining, and don’t worry about looking “too American” – France has become much more casual in recent years, especially in the country side which is where most of the canal trips will be. DO bring a good pair of walking shoes. That said, in the past we walked many, mini-outings – to the bakery, winery, and quaint villages – just in our sandals and that was fine. Only pack what you can comfortably carry or lift. Even though you can unpack on the boat for the whole week, you still have to haul your bag around at the airport, to the train, to the hotel, and to the boat. For your reference, we have a complete guide to packing available as a PDF download: France Packing List. We also have a Travel Considerations / Best Practices document that is helpful. You should also consult the TSA What am I Allowed to Bring webpage and the FAA PackSafe webpage.
Q: Will this be a non-smoking cruise?
A: Yes, this is a non-smoking and non-vaping cruise. Of course if anyone is a smoker / vaper they can smoke off of the boat. There are plenty of opportunities to step off the boat as we are moored to the shore overnights, lunchtimes, and at each lock. France in general does not allow indoor smoking any more in cafes and other public places. Outdoor smoking is permitted.
Related to aromas, we also ask that you refrain from wearing perfume or strongly scented lotions while on board. Thank you!
Q: I like to use CBD gummies to help me sleep. Can I bring them to France?
A: This question has come up quite a bit recently with so many states legalizing marijuana. The tricky thing is that federally it is still illegal and airspace is regulated federally. In addition, when you travel, you would be carrying these gummies in federal, state and local jurisdictions and then transporting internationally and landing in a foreign country, in this case France, where it is not completely legal either. Is it worth it? A Google search for updated rules is a good idea to help you know what to do.
Q: What is your reservation and payment schedule like?
A: In general, we plan our trips 9-18 months ahead of the actual trip date. We request 1/2 down at the time you reserve your place. Checks / cash preferred. Credit cards will incur a 3% processing fee. All payments are based on double occupancy (in the canal boat). If a single cabin is required for one individual, there will be an additional charge of $1150. About 9 months before the trip, we recommend purchasing your airfare. Around 6 months before the trip we reserve hotel rooms (we can help you with this if you are extending your trip – or you can do it on your own). When we reserve hotel rooms we will also facilitate ordering museum passes and other extras. 3 months prior to leaving we purchase the train tickets to and from the boat basin (train tickets are not available before 3 months out). After all reservations, passes, and tickets are finalized, we will prepare a detailed itinerary for you with all of your reservation numbers, hotel address, directions to and from hotels, trains, and boats, and any extras you may have ordered. Once all add-ons are purchased or reserved, final payment will be invoiced with the remaining balance due upon receipt of invoice.
Q: I’d like to talk to you in person. Can I call?
A: Of course! If you have additional questions please contact us at 1-218-409-2540 or via email at david@savvynomad.com.