|
Yellow Bug Travels
April 1, 2026
| | April arrives with sunshine, spring blossoms, and plenty of travel inspiration. | |
- Q2 promotions
- River Cruise Expo. 2026 Recap
- Insider Tips
- Client Spotlight!
- GALAPAGOS
- Italy getting ready to close
| | |
*** Complimentary Land and Triple Saving have
extended to June 30th!! ***
Take advantage and book into our 2027 groups!
| | |
I am able to DOUBLE my future cruise benefits (10% off) on some 2027 sailing dates if deposited by June 30, 2026.
BOTH of my 2027 hosted groups are included!
Don't wait,
sign up today!
| |  | |
Local experiences take center stage
City Escapes with AmaWaterways are NEW curated river cruises with longer time in port, designed for the quieter months when Europe feels more open.
Join small-group experiences offered only during these months, or explore independently and feel like a local.
A relaxed onboard atmosphere and enhanced amenities like a menu of included wine, beer and cocktails throughout the cruise make these itineraries an easy introduction for first time cruisers and a fresh perspective for returning guests.
| | | Beyond the brochure, what happens behind the scenes, RCE 2026. | |
I recently returned from an immersive river cruise expo in Amsterdam—and it completely reinforced something I’ve always believed:
Not all river cruises are created equal.
This wasn’t a typical conference. It was a hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience—touring all the ships, dining onboard, attending daily education sessions, and, most importantly, building relationships with the people who actually run these experiences, that’s where the real value lies.
Coming in 2027 is Celebrity with their ships on the river. They have ordered 20 and they will start rolling out next year. I have to say I was impressed with what they had to say and their virtual reality tour of their ship.
Attending this event first hand helps my clients because--Photos don’t capture flow.
Websites don’t explain service culture.
And reviews don’t always reflect the nuances that matter most.
Walking each ship, meeting the crew, and experiencing the atmosphere allows me to guide my clients with a level of confidence and clarity that simply isn’t possible otherwise.
| |
3 Insider Tips for Choosing the Right River Cruise
River cruising has become one of the most sought-after ways to explore Europe—but what many travelers don’t realize is how much the right choice can impact the entire experience.
After recently spending time onboard multiple ships in Amsterdam, meeting crews, and comparing experiences firsthand, here are three insights I share with every client:
1. Not All Ships Offer the Same Experience
From layout and cabin design to onboard atmosphere and service style, each ship feels different. Some are more social and lively, while others lean quiet and refined. Choosing the right fit makes all the difference.
2. The Itinerary Is Only Part of the Story
Two cruises may follow the same river—but the pace, excursions, and overall flow can vary significantly. It’s not just where you go, but how you experience each destination.
3. Timing Matters More Than Most People Think
There are moments when added benefits, better availability, and ideal cabin choices align. Planning ahead—especially for sought-after sailings—can make a meaningful difference in both experience and value.
Final Thought
A river cruise should feel seamless, immersive, and thoughtfully designed from start to finish. The key isn’t just choosing a cruise—it’s choosing the right one for you.
If you’ve been considering a river cruise, having guidance from someone who has experienced these ships firsthand can make all the difference.
| | |
|
NOW is the time to book into our two
group cruises for 2027!
Our groups are already on the move.....
The following specials are still available until June 30 for BOTH hosted group cruises in 2027!
- Paid gratuities for staff, cruise manager, tour guides and drivers
- Combinable with Complimentary Land
- $50 onboard credit per cabin
- Combinable with the 10% off second cruise, if you do back to back.
- Combinable with my cruise benefits (5%) which are double for each cruise, that's 10%!
- Combinable with the Loyalty program
Deposits ($200 pp) must be made by June 30, 2026 to take advantage of all of the above offers.
Join us on these two sailings!
Magna on the Danube wine cruise with the BRAND NEW AmaRudi (double wide layout) Nov. 7, 2027!
Essence of Burgundy & Provence Festive Delights cruise, Nov. 18, 2027.
Scroll down to our GROUPS section and you'll see these two new groups added, then click on the booking page of each for details!
| | | | |
Greece--Done your way!
8 days 7 nights
What if you could experience Greece… without following a group schedule?
I’ve been working with Luxury Tales to put together a beautiful Greece itinerary that includes Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini—with private transfers, seamless travel between islands, and time to explore at your own pace.
This is not a group trip. It’s a fully independent, custom-designed journey, built specifically around your travel dates and preferences.
Because of that, pricing varies depending on when you travel and how you’d like to experience it.
If Greece is even a “maybe” for you, I’d be happy to share ideas, sample pricing, and available dates.
Just reply or reach out—and we’ll see if it’s the right fit for you.
| |
Where My Clients Are Traveling in 2026 ?
This year alone, I’ve been busy planning some incredible journeys for my clients.
A few highlights include:
Two couples will be celebrating back-to-back birthdays with a custom 10-day itinerary through Florence, Rome, and Naples. Think incredible food, historic sites, and unforgettable moments in some of Italy’s most iconic cities.
A graduation celebration across Europe for another family of 5 who is celebrating two graduations with a two-week journey through Germany, Switzerland, and Italy—a mix of alpine scenery, charming towns, and world-famous cities.
Several clients are heading out on river cruises along the Danube River and the Rhine River, exploring historic villages, castles, and wine regions along the way.
Others are sailing the beautiful waters around the Greek Islands, combining island hopping with rich history and stunning coastal views.
And there are even more trips in the works!
Seeing these journeys come together reminds me that travel isn’t just about visiting a destination—it’s about celebrating milestones, creating memories, and experiencing the world in meaningful ways.
If you’re thinking about a special trip of your own, now is a great time to start planning.
| | |
Client Spotlight
One of my favorite parts of this business is seeing your experiences come to life. And what is better than when it is family?? Here is my Aunt on her Tulip Time cruise, as we speak!
“ There is so much to see and do. The fact the excursions are included is fabulous. All the cities have their own unique qualities.
Most of all, everyone is so kind and accommodating, including the Ama ship staff. Good walking shoes A MUST”
| | |
Italy in September
Our Italy trip is still open, but not for long!
This itinerary just has balance—it’s not just about seeing the major sites, but experiencing Italy in a more meaningful way. The kind of moments that stay with you long after you return home.
If Italy has been sitting on your “someday” list, this is one of those opportunities where the timing truly makes all the difference.
This journey will close in June, and availability is already VERY limited.
If you’ve been thinking about Italy, I’d be happy to share more details and see if it’s the right fit for you.
| | |
We only need one more couple to book into our Italy group to be full.
Will it be you?
What are you waiting for?
| | |
My visit to Keukenhof Gardens in March
I had the chance to visit Keukenhof Gardens while in Amsterdam—and it completely exceeded expectations.
We walked over 2 miles and still felt like there was more to see. Every turn led to another hidden corner, another perfectly framed view.
Even early in the season, the crocuses, tulips, and daffodils were incredibly vibrant.
I can only imagine what this looks like at peak bloom in April and May.
If this has ever been on your list—I highly recommend it.
| | | |
GALAPAGOS
Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea.
Experience the Galápagos aboard elegant and nimble ships, well-equipped for up-close exploration.
Perfect for couples, families and solo travelers. Encounter abundant wildlife—blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, pink flamingos, giant tortoises and more. The animals of Galápagos are legendary for being without fear in the presence of humans.
| | | |
If a river cruise is on your radar for 2026 or 2027, now is the time to start exploring options.
Send me an email or schedule a planning call — even if you’re just in the dreaming stage.
Planning early doesn’t commit you. It gives you options!
| | |
Click "more information" to see ship layout, current promotions, and maps and images.
You can now also place your deposit to hold your spot!
(No money is charged immediately. I will email you first!)
| |
| |
MAGNA ON THE DANUBE
NEW----WINE CRUISE
WITH THE BRAND-NEW AMARUDI
November 7, 2027
Vilshofen to Budapest
MORE INFORMATION
| | | |
| |
ESSENCE OF BURGUNDY & PROVENCE
NEW----FESTIVE DELIGHTS
November 18, 2027
Dijon to Arles
MORE INFORMATION
| | | |
We're already up to 14 bookings into our 2027 groups!
What are you waiting for? This is your invitation!
| |
Thank you for reading my monthly news! I appreciate each of my
current and future clients!
A quick note: My business grows almost entirely through referrals, which allows me to keep things personal and intentional. If you ever have a friend or family member thinking about European travel, I’m always happy to be a resource — even if they’re just in the dreaming stage.
| | | |
By subscribing to my monthly newsletter,
you will receive ALL of my exclusive perks!
| | | | |
