YMCA Alumni members get a bit giddy under the midnight sun on our just-returned Travel Club cruise to Norway. See below for more.

'MEMO ON THE GO'

SPECIAL 'PERKS' FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY

It’s promo season for some of the top cruise and tour companies. Our YMCA Alumni/Go Travel team has been attending the summer trade shows and have picked up quite a few bonus opportunities. But you must act in the next two weeks --between July 20 and Aug. 1 to take advantage.

There can’t be any exceptions and these are only available for NEW bookings. Onboard credits are per cabin unless otherwise indicated.

Here are the special perks:

Explora – Additional $150 per cabin onboard credit.

Princess - Book a balcony, get $50 onboard credit for cruises 7 nights and longer, Book a suite, $100 credit. Credit is applied to the stateroom.

Silversea - $250 per person savings on Door-to-Door or Port-to-Port promotions.

American Cruise Line – Save $600 per cabin.

CIE Tours - Save up to $1,000 per couple.

Royal Caribbean - Up to $100 onboard credit.

Celebrity Cruises - Verandah or above get $100 onboard credit.  

Viking - $100 onboard credit. Not valid with Expedition cruises.

AMA Waterways – Up to $300 pp credit on select sailings.

Don’t delay. These offers are only available until August 1.

Remember your YMCA Alumni/Go Travel agent can book any kind of travel anywhere, not just on dates listed here. Let your travel imagination go wild. Just click the button below, fill out the trip request form and one of our knowledgeable agents will contact you.

GoTravel contributes a portion of all bookings to support programs of YMCA Alumni.

Skål:

HOME FROM THE MIDNIGHT SUNSHINE

Patrick and Jan Murphy (shown in Bergen, Norway) hosted our Travel Club Princess Cruise. Here are a few quotes from YMCA Alumni travelers:

Our special offer to be in New York Harbor on America's 250th birthday next year aboard the iconic Queen Mary 2 and then sailing on to Newport, RI and Nova Scotia sold out completely in under two days. The Go Travel group will be 50 strong. Happy Birthday to all of our members who jumped on this opportunity.

2025-2026

TRAVEL CLUB GROUP ADVENTURES

CLASSIC CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND

SEPTEMBER 13-23, 2026

Join us on a colorful 10-day YMCA Alumni fall cruise to Eastern Canada and New England's Atlantic Coast for some unforgettable leaf-peeping and ocean scenery. Our cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess begins in Quebec City and ends in historic Boston. Come aboard and find out what makes this ship and itinerary so special. Your YMCA Alumni hosts are Patrick and Jan Murphy of the Schreiner Chapter.

SOUTH AMERICA GETAWAY

OCTOBER 14-22, 2025

Our South America Getaway with Globus Tours takes us to two of the world’s most sizzling cities, so you can do it all. With time in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, this exciting motor coach and air tour combines the best of Brazil and Argentina, plus the opportunity to witness the thundeering Iguazu Falls from the perspective of both countries. Host: Go Travel's Bob Cook.

ALASKA: THE LAST FRONTIER

JUNE 5-12, 2026

We'll cruise before the huge summer crowds arrive. We depart from Vancouver, B.C., and return to Seattle on the Celebrity Edge. This is an ideal seven-night trip for bringing along family and friends. This will be our Travel Club's third Alaska cruise. Hosts: Jean and Burt Bock, Weatherford Chapter.

Stay tuned. Cruise lines and tour operators will be releasing itineraries and pricing for 2027 in the next few months. Watch for new group trips, specialty cruises and individual adventures.

OCT. 31- NOV. 7, 2026

YARN, FUN AND SUN

KNIT TOGETHER A PERFECT VACATION

Here’s a very special seven-day Caribbean cruise vacation aboard the Celebrity Apex for our YMCA Alumni members who love to knit. You’ll join fellow knitters from all over the country for a knitting adventure like no other.

This cruise is the perfect blend of knitting immersion, tropical exploration, and pampered relaxation, all surrounded by like-minded yarn lovers.

We'll be joined by two well-known guest instructors. StevenBe, the “Glitter Knitter,” known for bold designs and fearless creativity. He welcomes fiber lovers of all skill levels. Expect contagious energy, wild yarn pairings, and lots of sparkle.

Shannon Dunbabin, co-owner of Cascade Yarns, brings insider yarn knowledge and deep industry insight. She’ll share her expertise, guide hands-on experiences with Cascade’s beloved yarns, and connect you to the yarn's journey from mill to needles. This the fourth Go Travel Knitting Cruise, created by Ann Sweeney of Reddington Seminars. This cruise is held every three years, so don't wait.

Your Knitting Cruise package includes some special bonus amenities. Stay connected while you're at sea with an included Wi-Fi Package. The Classic Drink Package includes a wide selection of unlimited options. There's a wide choice of classes all day long as well as special pop-up events, a StevenBe fashion show (starring you) and all sorts of nooks and crannies and fun places to knit aboard the ship.

Travel solo or bring along your spouse, family, or friends. One person in the cabin must be registered in the knitting program, while others enjoy all the amenities of Celebrity cruise travel. Check out our specially negotiated group pricing for a variety of cabin choices.

Solo travel is growing considerably, and many of our valued supplier partners are offering new solo travel opportunities, including dedicated solo travel departures, reductions in solo travel supplements or waiving supplements completely.

Tthere are several online companies claiming to specialize in solo travel. Be very wary. Go Travel only works with reputable companies such as African Travel, Inc. CIE Tours, Alexander+Roberts, Backroads, Cosmos, Globus and Tauck.  

Many river and ocean cruise companies such as AmaWaterways, American Cruise Line, Avalon Waterways, Azamara , Celebrity Cruises, NCL and Royal Caribbean frequently offer very low single supplements and, in some cases, no supplements for single travelers. Both NCL and Celebrity are currently offering single occupancy cabins on several of their ships.   

Here are some things to watch out for when traveling solo:

• Research your destinations. Check Google about neighborhoods specific to the city or country you're visiting.
• Research average costs for hotel rooms, taxi rides, food, and tours. Book as much ahead as possible.
• When arriving at an airport, pre plan your transportation to your hotel. It might cost a little more but it will be safe and protect you from scammers.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Don't over-schedule your adventure.
• Don’t overpack your luggage.
• Don't be too trusting: Be cautious with strangers.
• Ensure you have travel insurance coverage.
• Don't rely solely on your phone: Have backup communication options.
• Don't hesitate to ask for help: Seek assistance when needed. Know a local emergency number in your destination. It isn’t always 911
• Don't let fear hold you back: Embrace new experiences despite being alone.

Our YMCA Alumni/Go Travel agents can help you determine the best places to travel solo and choose the best possible travel partner. Ask us. We can make your solo travel experience unforgettable.

-----

Bob Cook is Sales Director at Go Travel. He has decades of experience advising clients. We'll be asking him a question like this one in each issue of Going Places.

HOT TRAVEL DESTINATION:

JAPAN

Japan, the land of the rising sun, offers a unique and enjoyable travel experience for seniors, combining rich cultural immersion with a high degree of safety, comfort, and accessibility. It is one of the world’s travel hotspots these days. Here’s why:

Respect for Elders: Japan has a culture that highly respects senior citizens, which extends to travelers.

Safety and Cleanliness: Japan is renowned for its low crime rate and high standards of cleanliness, which are beneficial for all travelers, especially seniors.

Excellent Public Transportation: Japan boasts a highly efficient public transport system, particularly its rail network. Services like the Shinkansen (bullet train) are comfortable and efficient.

Accessibility Improvements: Japan has made significant efforts to enhance accessibility in major cities and tourist attractions.

Focus on Slow Travel: Many attractions and activities in Japan cater to a slower pace, offering opportunities for relaxed exploration and cultural immersion. 

Participate in traditional tea ceremonies, visit historical temples and shrines, or watch a sumo tournament; relax and rejuvenate in Japan's famous hot springs (onsen). Visit numerous world-class museums and beautiful gardens, which often offer senior discounts or free entry for those over 70.

Visiting Japan in any season can be fun and different: Spring from March to May brings cherry blossoms (late March–early April) and is a magical and very popular time to visit. Summer from June to August is rainy season and it is usually hot and humid. September to November bring gorgeous fall foliage, fewer crowds and generally comfortable weather. Winter, from December through February is cold. Skiing and snowboarding resorts are abundant, particularly Hokkaido and Nagano.

Perhaps the best way to tour Japan is via cruise ship in either spring or fall. Ask us about cruising Japan via Cunard, Princess, Oceania, Regent, Celebrity, Viking Ocean, Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara or Royal Caribbean. We can help you enjoy one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. 

Interested in a trip to our hot travel destination? Just click the button below. Fill out the short form, submit it, and a YMCA Alumni Travel Club/Go Travel agent will contact you with more information, options and can arrange your booking.

NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF TRAVEL

BEST IN THE SKIES

Air Canada was named the Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, was named Best Airline in Europe for the 10th time. The Skytrax awards are based on customer satisfaction surveys of approximately 22 million global travelers.

TV COMES ALIVE

Are you addicted to Netflix? Netflix House will open its first two locations in Philadelphia, at King of Prussia Mall, and in Dallas, at Galleria Dallas, late this year and on the Las Vegas Strip in spring 2027. Netflix House is a permanent, year-round home for fans, bringing some of its most popular shows and movies to life through immersive, story-driven experiences.

'REUNION SHIP' GETS FACELIFT

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas – the ship that hosted our YMCA Alumni Reunion-at-Sea early this year – will be upgraded for 2026 with a new Caribbean-inspired pool deck with a new Lime & Coconut bar, as well as a refreshed adults-only Solarium. Other updates include Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, El Loco Fresh, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, an upgraded Casino Royale, and the Ultimate Family Suite.

WORLD'S BEST CITY TO VISIT

Travel & Leisure Magazine's annual picks for the best cities to visit in the world just concluded. Number One? San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Voters praised its distinctive cultural milieu and affordability, centrally located museums, botanical gardens, shopping boutiques, dynamic art scene and many noteworthy annual events.

TRENDING NOW:

PATRIOTIC TRAVEL DURING

OUR 250th BIRTHDAY YEAR

Photos: Independence Hall, Statue of Liberty, Freedom Trail, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery.

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is renowned as the birthplace of American democracy and is part of Independence National Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor is the most renowned of all our nation’s monuments and one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

The Freedom Trail in Boston is a 2.5-mile, easily walkable, red-brick path through downtown. The famous route includes 16 historically significant sites from the Revolutionary War.

Lincoln Memorial is the most famous of Washington DC’s 160 monuments, honoring Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, who led the nation through the Civil War and worked tirelessly to end slavery.

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 400,000 military veterans and eligible dependents. The cemetery is a hallowed, unforgettable destination.

Fort McHenry -- That flag in Baltimore still proudly waves just as it did on the fateful night of September 14, 1814, with bombs bursting in the air. The Star Spangled Banner was written here.



Pearl Harbor with its USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri Memorial, this historic site in Oahu, Hawaii honors America’s sacrifice, heroism, and ultimate victory after the surprise attack on December 7, 1941.

Your YMCA Alumni Travel Club/Go Travel agent can offer advice and handle all your booking arrangements. Call us at 407-774-2229, and be sure to identify yourself as a YMCA Alumni member. Or, click on the button below. 

407-774-2229

Be sure to identify yourself as YMCA Alumni

when you call or email us.

Go Travel/YMCA Alumni Travel Club

2811 W. State Rd.

Longwood, FL 32779

ymcaalumni@gotravel.com

GOING PLACES is written, edited and produced by

Craig Altschul and Peggi Simmons

Next issue of GOING PLACES: September 15, 2025

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