River Cruise Specialist Canada

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Penny Matthews, Travel Agent in Leduc, AB

Penny Matthews

Leduc, AB Travel Agent

Penny Matthews

Leduc, AB · 8 Years of Experience

Hidden Gems Travel, an independent agent with The Travel Agent Next Door Inc., a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(2)
100% Recommended
Penny was excellent.. We needed help with hotels at the different cities we were visiting, gave us a few recommendations not just one 1 hotel... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Austria, Hungary, Germany, Netherlands, France

Interests:

River Cruises, Women's Travel, Luxury Cruises, Escorted Tours, Groups

Suppliers:

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Viking, Celebrity Cruises, Explora Journeys

About Me

I specialize in crafting stress-free river cruises where you only pack your suitcase — I handle everything else.

I fell in love with rivers on my first Danube Christmas Markets cruise in 2018, after 8 years in travel I still love the rivers. The silence and tranquility of waking up in a new city each day, with no packing, no planning, no decisions — I still breathe deeper the moment we start to sail.

Who I Help

I work with women 45+ who’ve spent years making every decision for everyone else. Now it’s your turn to be taken care of. I also plan for empty-nester couples, girlfriend groups, and solo travelers who want luxury river travel without the mental load.

Types of Travel I Plan

River cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Seine, and Douro. Certified with AmaWaterways, Viking, Avalon, and Scenic. Currently completing my Luxury certification. Typical river journeys are $6,000–$10,000 per person. I also create personalized travel for milestone/bucket list trips.

How I Work with Clients

I take time to understand each woman’s travel style, then I support her in selecting the perfect journey for her. From stateroom to excursions to dining, every detail is managed so you can actually sit down, breathe, and enjoy the trip.

A Personal Note

When I’m not planning trips, I’m connecting with other women and helping my last baby bird prepare to leave the nest. I’ve learned how important it is that we finally take care of ourselves — because for years, we’ve put ourselves last. Finally not asking for permission as It's Our Turn Now

Common Questions

Q: Can you help with single supplements for solo women over 50?

A: Yes. I research which lines currently have the best offers for singles and work to get you the most value, so you’re not penalized for traveling solo.

Q: Can you book more than one couple on a river cruise at a time?

A: Absolutely. The best way to travel is with friends and family. I can book multiple couples together, and if there are enough of you sailing, we’ll turn it into a group so you get group perks too.

Let’s start planning your next great journey — reach out today!

Penny

Penny Matthews – Luxury Curated Group Escort

As a Luxury River Cruise Specialist and Group Escort, I design and host curated escorted journeys that combine refined travel with authentic connection.

Through my company, One River at a Time, I curate immersive river cruise experiences with premier partners such as AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways,  and Riverside Luxury Cruises.

My guests enjoy the perfect balance of independence and expert guidance traveling solo within a supportive, like-minded group. With seamless coordination, excursions, and exclusive pre- and post-cruise experiences, I help travelers embrace slow, meaningful exploration where every detail is handled, and every moment feels effortless.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
2 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 2 reviews

Trip of a lifetime
Reviewed By Korni - Leduc | Traveled to Aachen | Germany | Europe
Penny was excellent.. We needed help with hotels at the different cities we were visiting, gave us a few recommendations not just one 1 hotel but several so we could make a choice... And the River cruise was excellent.. We would defiantly use penny again...
Penny Matthews responded
"It was my pleasure to help you with your river cruise and offer suggestions for other stops on your journey. "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Viking Danube
Reviewed By Danan - Alberta | Traveled to Budapest | Hungary | Europe
Absolutely stunning scenery. Christmas markets amazing. Wine tasting. We’ll need I say more on that.
Penny Matthews responded
"It was a pleasure to assist in making this trip one you will remember fondly!!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

 ACTA’s mission is to foster the success and prosperity of our travel agency members. Our most supportive partners, ACTA Corporate Partners, invest their time and resources in order to support ACTA’s vision of a healthy and vibrant retail travel industry where the Travel Agent is recognized as an expert resource. Proud Partners understand that Travel Agents are essential to their success.
The Book with Confidence logo tells you that this Travel Advisor has direct access to comprehensive resources for safe and healthy travel, available at their discretion for sharing with clients.  This includes vetting the details on the health and safety protocols implemented by each travel provider in order to recommend the ideal itinerary for each client’s unique needs.
AMA Academy
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
CLIA Accredited Cruise Counsellor
CLIA Luxury Cruise Certificate
CLIA RiverView Certificate

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
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