From dreaming about Europe to actually being there.
We help make complex travel feel simple with thoughtful planning, personal service, and carefully chosen options.
~ Complimentary Initial Consultation
What We Do
Boutique River Cruises & Inspired Long Stays
across Western and Southern Europe
RIVER CRUISES
A river cruise brings together comfort, discovery, and a slower style of travel that lets you experience more along the way.
LONG STAYS
A long stay gives you time to settle in, slow down, and experience Europe beyond the usual highlights.
In Association With
Get To Know Me
Travel planning with a personal touch.
Behind Buckets & Dreams Travel is Michelle Christensen, a passionate traveller with a natural talent for planning, organizing, and taking care of the details. Her approach is simple: get to know what you truly want from your trip, then help make the experience feel easy, personal, and thoughtfully planned.
~ Complimentary Initial Consultation
1-on-1 Personal Service
End-to-End Planning
Europe Travel Focus
Hands-On Support
What We Take Care Of
Destination Planning
Explore destinations, travel ideas, and journeys that fit how you want to experience Europe.
Cruise & Long Stay Itinerary
Compare river cruise lines, long stay spots, itineraries, and options to find the right fit for your trip.
Flights & Accommodations
Coordinate flights, hotels, transfers, and accommodations before, during, and after your journey.
Pre & Post-Trip Planning
Add extra time before or after your cruise with thoughtfully planned stays and experiences.
Activities & Excursions
Arrange tours, activities, and excursions where appropriate to help you make the most of your trip.
Travel Details & Documentation
Help navigate travel documents, travel insurance, bookings, and the information you need before departure.
Success Stories
A couple came to us after years of talking about taking a European river cruise but never knowing where to begin. We helped them choose the right itinerary, coordinated the details, and added extra time in Europe so the trip felt relaxed rather than rushed.
What started as a long-time idea became a thoughtfully planned journey they could simply enjoy.
79% of cruise travellers say...
...travel advisors had a meaningful impact on their decision to cruise. (- State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025)
The best journeys start with a little curiosity.
Some FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions.
What types of travel does Buckets & Dreams Travel specialize in?
We specialize in river cruises and long stays throughout Western and Southern Europe, with personalized planning based on your travel style, interests, timing, and budget.
Do I need to know exactly where I want to go before contacting you?
Not at all. Many clients come to us with only a general idea of what they want. We can help you explore destinations, compare options, and narrow things down based on the kind of experience you are looking for.
What can you help arrange for my trip?
Depending on your needs, we can help with river cruises, accommodations, flights, transfers, pre- and post-cruise stays, activities, excursions, travel documentation, and travel insurance considerations.
How does the planning process work?
We begin with a discovery call to learn about your travel goals and preferences. From there, we research suitable options, present our recommendations, make any requested adjustments, complete the booking, and provide the necessary travel documentation.
Can you help me choose between different river cruise companies?
Yes. We can compare cruise lines, itineraries, ships, accommodations, and sailing options to help you find the experience that best fits what you are looking for.
How far in advance should I start planning?
The earlier, the better, especially for popular river cruises, longer European stays, and peak travel periods. Starting early gives you access to better deals, and more choice when it comes to dates, accommodations, itineraries, and availability.
Do you work with clients outside Alberta?
Yes. Buckets & Dreams Travel works with clients across Canada through phone, email, and Zoom, with in-person appointments available where practical.
Can you combine a river cruise with a longer stay in Europe?
Absolutely. We can help coordinate pre- or post-cruise stays, additional destinations, accommodations, transportation, and other details to create a more complete European experience.
Have specific travel questions?
We're here to help.
Your next great journey can start with a simple conversation.
~ Complimentary Initial Consultation
