CHOOSE YOUR OWN RIVER CRUISE VACATION

The changing demographic of river cruisers means there is now something for everyone. Here are some leads for choosing the adventure that’s right for you:

With kids: Tauck offers European river cruise packages with shore excursions (think scavenger hunts and cowboy interactions) perfect for little people. The new AMA Waterways partnership with Adventures by Disney will be a hit with families who prefer a pixie-dust touch. The Danube River Cruise pulls in references to The Sound of Music and more.

Off the beaten trail: River cruising and Europe have long gone hand-inhand. Avalon Waterways takes you further afield. With Asian trips that include the Mekong, Irrawaddy and Yangtze rivers, guests see parts of the world less explored by leisure river cruisers.

Multi-generational: Uniworld offers multi-generational cruises for families. Kids aged 4 to 18 travel half price on select family itineraries and departures. The company offers excursions that are themed to engage curious minds, thrill seekers, aspiring foodies and more.

When you go to Burma:

Getting There: You won’t find a direct flight to Burma, so weigh your layover options. Korean Air connects in Seoul, Air Canada connects in Beijing and Cathay Pacific connects in Hong Kong. Return flights start at about $1,300. Languages: Burmese and English. When to go: Temperatures are “cooler” between October and February (expect at least 24 C) but still humid on the southern parts of the river. Elections in 2015 mean a handover of power from the long-ruling military regime to a newly elected democratic one in March 2016.

Good to know: The country is 11 1⁄ 2 hours ahead of Toronto. The local currency is the kyat but the American dollar is widely used. (Crisp, new bills are mandatory.) You need a tourist visa to enter (about $50 U.S.), but the e-visa system is easy and you don’t have to send in your passport.

Where to stay: Before and after your cruise, the Sule Shangri-La in Rangoon spoils for about $247 (U.S.) per night, and Hotel Esperado gets great reviews for as low as $120 per night.