Fools Rush In-Smart People take the Barge  by Darryl Beeson  World travel's alternative to the usual rush is the canal barge. "Your trip can be custom-tailored to fit your exact needs," says Ellen Sack, The Barge Lady. "Do you want something deluxe? Are you interested in wine? Do you want to barge and bicycle? Are you planning a family reunion? Are you a gourmet and want to taste the finest of French cuisine? Barges and their programs are very unique and individual."  Six nights is now the industry standard of cruise length. Most begin on Saturday or Sunday, though some barges in France offer mid-week departure dates. The season is roughly from April 1 through November 1, though there are some exceptions. All meals, all wines, open bar with the exception of a few vessels, chauffeured/guided sightseeing, and use of all facilities such as bicycles are generally provided. All individual rates, ranging from $2000 to $6500 based on double occupancy, are for one person sharing a twin or double-bedded cabin. For single travelers, there are certain barges that require little or no supplement fee. As with cruises, an appropriate gratuity is given for the staff at the conclusion, but is received via the barge's captain.  Trip options can be in France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland, Belgium or Germany. Even in France, the vast majority of barge owners and crews are British and English is their first language. Crews of different nationalities,be they Dutch, French or German, all speak English fluently.  "All it took for me was one barge cruise for me," explains Sack. "This is different. Being on a barge, being immersed into the timeless, provincial life of France's remote countryside, and then being pampered every curve of the canal, this is a travel dream come true." A successful travel agent on Chicago's Gold Coast, she had long been traveling in Europe, especially France. After her first barge experince, she immediately headed back to the states, some 18 years ago, and made a quick job change, renaming herself "The Barge Lady" and promoting barge programs and this unique travel experience. Her fleet has grown to over 50 barges in six countries, which she and her staff have personally visited, inspecting the vessels' amenities, sampling the cuisine and trying out the itineraries throughout the related countrysides. "My been there, done that experience enables our office to professionally and personally consult travelers, helping to match them up with the right barge," concludes Sacks. "Our staff can juggle a myriad of boat descriptions, cabin types, canals, itineraries and amenities in their heads when consulting with clients about barge cruises. But that complexity, in fact, is what makes barging such an ideal form of travel."  There are specially designated "family departures" in which children under age 14 receive substantial discounts. Charter vessels welcome families and will sometimes provide children's bicycles and special programming. In regards to adults and bicycles, virtually all of the French and Dutch barges carry bicycles. Barges which float primarily on larger rivers do not carry bicycles. Walking is perhaps a more appropriate activity in England, Ireland and Holland.  For expert consultation and more information, visit www.bargelady.com  or call 800-880-0071.  For more great wine suggestions, click here Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.