La Semilla Travel
Travel Journal
Real travel advice, firsthand experiences and thoughtful guidance for travelers who want more from the journey. Explore insights on custom group journeys, women's group travel, river cruising, Bali, Vietnam and smarter travel planning.
Featured guides
River Cruises
A Cabin Just Opened on Our 2027 Danube Christmas Markets Cruise (And It Won't Last)
A real cancellation just released a Piano Deck stateroom on the nearly sold-out December 5, 2027 AmaMagna Christmas Markets cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest — and I have a Future Cruise benefit to apply.
Bali
Bali Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to Bali? This guide covers the practical things travelers should know before they go, including where to stay, when to visit, transportation, cultural etiquette, temples, wellness, food, money, packing, entry requirements and common first-time mistakes.
River Cruises
Viking vs. AmaWaterways: My Honest Two-Week River Cruise Comparison
I sailed both Viking and AmaWaterways within a two-week period, giving me a rare firsthand opportunity to compare the two river cruise experiences side by side. This guide breaks down the differences in ships, staterooms, dining, excursions, activity level, onboard atmosphere and overall traveler fit.
River Cruises
How to Choose Your First European River Cruise: A First-Timer’s Guide
Choosing your first European river cruise starts with choosing the river that best matches how you want to experience Europe. This first-timer’s guide compares the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Douro—including scenery, destinations, pace and the type of traveler each river suits best.
Browse by topic
Women's Group Travel
Hosted, solo-friendly journeys and the practical questions travelers ask before joining one.
River Cruises
Choosing rivers, ships and cruise lines — and understanding what actually differs between them.
Bali
Firsthand guidance for traveling well in Bali, from culture and etiquette to timing.
Meaningful Travel
Cultural travel, slower itineraries and the kind of experiences travelers remember years later.
All articles
Women's Group Travel
Embrace Your Solo Wellness Journey: Bali for Women Over 50
Bali offers a uniquely enriching and safe haven for women over 50 seeking a solo wellness journey. With its gentle culture, serene landscapes, and dedicated wellness community, it's an ideal destination to nourish your spirit and embrace personal growth, whether independently or with a curated group.
River Cruises
A Cabin Just Opened on Our 2027 Danube Christmas Markets Cruise (And It Won't Last)
A real cancellation just released a Piano Deck stateroom on the nearly sold-out December 5, 2027 AmaMagna Christmas Markets cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest — and I have a Future Cruise benefit to apply.
Women's Group Travel
Why Travel Is One of the Best Investments Women Can Make in Themselves
Travel can be more than a vacation. For many women, especially after 45, it can be an investment in confidence, connection, wellbeing and new life experiences. This guide explores why making space for travel can be one of the most meaningful things you do for yourself.
Bali
Bali Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to Bali? This guide covers the practical things travelers should know before they go, including where to stay, when to visit, transportation, cultural etiquette, temples, wellness, food, money, packing, entry requirements and common first-time mistakes.
River Cruises
Viking vs. AmaWaterways: My Honest Two-Week River Cruise Comparison
I sailed both Viking and AmaWaterways within a two-week period, giving me a rare firsthand opportunity to compare the two river cruise experiences side by side. This guide breaks down the differences in ships, staterooms, dining, excursions, activity level, onboard atmosphere and overall traveler fit.
Meaningful Travel
One Month in Thailand: What I Learned, Where I Went & What I’d Do Differently
After spending a month in Thailand, I came away with a much better understanding of the country’s pace, culture, food, transportation and regional differences. This guide shares what stood out most, what I would repeat and what I would do differently next time.
River Cruises
How to Choose Your First European River Cruise: A First-Timer’s Guide
Choosing your first European river cruise starts with choosing the river that best matches how you want to experience Europe. This first-timer’s guide compares the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Douro—including scenery, destinations, pace and the type of traveler each river suits best.
Women's Group Travel
How to Plan a Meaningful Girls Trip: A Guide to Women’s Group Travel
A memorable girls trip is about more than choosing a destination. This guide covers the practical decisions that make women’s group travel work well, from budgets and rooming to activity levels, communication, solo travelers and creating a trip everyone can actually enjoy.
River Cruises
What I Learned at the ASTA River Cruise Expo: How to Choose the Right River Cruise
Attending the ASTA River Cruise Expo gave me the opportunity to tour multiple river cruise ships, compare cruise lines firsthand and better understand how different ships, staterooms, excursions and onboard experiences can affect a traveler’s vacation. Here are the lessons that matter most when choosing the right river cruise.