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For anyone who hasn’t yet experienced the delights of a barging holiday, it might be hard to know what to expect from this kind of ‘slow travel’ experience. Nothing beats a personal recommendation, so if you’re unsure, do go and read some testimonials for the company you’re considering. But it can also help to get to know a little about the actual vessels themselves, because it might come as a bit of a surprise that, while there are certainly different classes, they don’t earn their name as a ‘barging hotel’ for nothing. What is a Barging Hotel? The term is one of those things that delivers pretty much what’s on the tin: it’s a barge (designed to navigate shallow inland waterways) that has been converted and rebuilt to provide cabin accommodation (as well as communal saloon and dining spaces) for guests. Most were originally used for carrying goods and have been completely redesigned to specifically cater for guests, and they range from comfortable and traditional, right up to luxury. Obviously the standards upheld by a company can vary, so it’s important to travel with someone reputable. That said, the information below will serve as a general guideline as to what to expect from your floating barging hotel. Size Generally speaking, the reconfigured vessels used on itineraries that take in the waterways of Europe and in the UK range in size to cater for from just four passengers up to 20. They are available to charter for a private group, or you can book a cabin and travel on an itinerary with other like minded people. For larger groups, the vessels can ‘tandem’ and cater for up to 24 people. Capabilities The whole ethos of a holiday on a barging hotel is that of ‘slow travel’ in order to take in the scenery and lifestyle at a relaxed, unhurried pace, so don’t expect to be whizzing along the waterways. Top speed is generally around 3mph, covering about 70 miles on a typical one-week itinerary. Facilities The vessels are purpose-built with the comfort of guests in mind. They have air-conditioning, heating and Wi-Fi, and many have hot tubs, a sun deck and a saloon for relaxing and dining. The cabins are very well appointed and feature private bathrooms and depending on the individual vessel, the décor can be traditional or contemporary luxury. You can choose accommodation in cosy cabins up to opulent staterooms. Many of the vessels also have bicycles on board for guests’ free use and there are daily excursions offered to local highlights. Is it your Kind of Holiday? Well, of course only you can answer that, but if you’re the kind of person who enjoys the finer things in life, along with the joy of slow travel, it most certainly could be. A holiday on board a barging hotel is a genuinely immersive travel experience, where you’ll have the time and space to enjoy the food, wine, history and culture of a region rather than be jumping on and off buses or trains trying to squeeze in as much as possible. Sound like heaven? Then you’ve found your next holiday… Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury barging hotel holidays. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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