Yellow Bug Travels

December News 2025

 

We are back from the Taste of Bordeaux Group Cruise


Bordeaux Delivered—And Then Poured Another Glass!


If there’s one thing our recent Bordeaux cruise proved, it’s that this region takes its reputation very seriously—and we were more than happy to rise to the occasion.


Charming villages, rolling vineyards, and a glass of something delicious were always within reach. Our days were a joyful blur of adventure and indulgence. We savored incredible meals onboard, each one perfectly paired (of course!) with local wines. We explored historic chateaux and dove into rich wine tastings, each somehow even better than the last. One afternoon, we biked along scenic riverside paths through vineyards…rewarded, naturally, with more wine.


By the end of the week, we’d become experts at two things: discovering Bordeaux’s beauty and raising a glass to celebrate it. "Topa!" ("Topa" is the Basque word for "toast," and it is commonly used when people are drinking and clinking glasses.)



It was fun, decadent, energizing, and unforgettable—everything a great river cruise should be.



We got so lucky

with our cruise manager Marina and having David (our music director) onboard for our cruise to make us dance at night!! The Dream Team!




Our AMA-mazing group below in different settings!

One of many wine and food pairings at a chateau winery.

An amazing appetizer on the ship! It looks like art!

Learning how to make crepes on the ship--and sample them!

If you would like your pictures featured, email them to me at jen@yellowbugtravels.com

What's inside--

  • Recap of Bordeaux and another upcoming cruise
  • Join our LIVE Italy event in January
  • Festive Delights river cruise
  • Join this 2027 group to Croatia with Azmara
  • Group River Cruises--should you do back to back?



Merry Christmas!

Holiday Cheers from the Danube on the AmaBella!


Happy Holidays! As we wrap up another wonderful year of travel, I’m excited to experience one of Europe’s most magical river cruises this December, the Gems of Southeast Europe, festive delights — from Romania to Hungary along the beautiful Danube.


I’ll be exploring historic towns, tasting local wines, and enjoying festive markets firsthand so I can bring back tips, stories, and inspiration for your future adventures.


Whether it’s the twinkling lights of Budapest, cozy Romanian villages, or seasonal treats from the region, the holiday spirit is truly everywhere. If you’ve ever dreamed of a European river cruise, now is the perfect time to start planning — the magic of the season makes it unforgettable!



From my travel family to yours, thank you for an amazing year. Wishing you warmth, joy, and a world full of adventure in 2026!



If you want insider tips on the Danube, or to start planning your next holiday getaway, email me!

 

DON'T FORGET!! LIVE EVENT IN JANUARY

 

Live Co-hosted Event for Italy in January!


Come listen to Chris Barnikel from CIE Tours talk about this amazing itinerary.

 

There will be offers and new promotions--and possibly even some prizes! 😁


Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Fratelli's Ristorante in Baxter Village,

Fort Mill, SC.


A recording will be available after the event. Email me for the link!



RSVP at jen@yellowbugtravels.com

ONLY 4 spots left!!

To stay the MOST up to date daily, join my private


⭐️ RIVER CRUISE GROUP ⭐️

 

Christmas pudding--

also known by the names plum pudding and figgy pudding--is strongly tied to the holiday for which it was named. From Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” the fruit-filled treat has been immortalized in seasonal traditions.


This holiday dessert also has a history tied to the giving nature of the season. During the Victorian era in England, many Christmas savings clubs were started to collect spare change for poor housewives so they could purchase Christmas pudding ingredients and ensure their families could experience a wonderful Christmas tradition.

Though the pudding originated in England, many around the world have incorporated this holiday dish into their Christmas celebrations. Look out for it on our Christmas Markets sailings.

 

Celebrate the Holidays with Amawaterways.

On board their river cruise ships throughout Europe, the holiday season begins from the middle of November and continues through the New Year. Choose between their Festive Delights sailings, dedicated Christmas Markets Cruises, or New Year's Cruises.

Too Cold to Function? Call Me—Let’s Trade Snow for Sand.


If you're feeling the cold and wanting to get away someplace warm, call me! I would love to help you find the perfect getaway for some much needed warm weather and sunshine!


Did you know?


Strasbourg, France is known as the "Capital of Christmas." It's Christmas Markets are the oldest in Europe, with roots going back to 1570.

Expect over 300 wooden chalets scattered across the city, as well as a giant Christmas tree and unique themed villages.


The picture above is from my trip through Strasbourg in 2023.


 
 

CLICK HERE

for my river cruise guide for first time river cruisers.

Croatia Intensive with Azmara

Your boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Onward® is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded, and offers everything modern voyagers are looking for—

plus some unexpected extras.


Join us for this group cruise in 2027!

Azmara Onward--Max 702 guests, small ship

10 days / 9 nights

September 23 - October 2, 2027


EXCLUSIVE PRICING!

Price $3,289 pp for oceanview cabin

$4,239 pp for veranda cabin

Deposit is $550 pp, Contact me for solo pricing!


This is a savings of $2,860!!

Only 20 spots available,

pricing will change December 23!!


What's included:

Variety of Dining Venues & 24-hour Room Service

Beer, Wine, and Spirits All Day & Night

Signature AzAmazing Evenings

Unlimited Self-Service Laundry

Onboard Gratuities

Overnights & Extended Destination Days

Unique & Iconic Destinations

No Hassle, No Crowds

Warm & Attentive Service


I'm curious!


Some of you have mentioned that you are interested in back-to-back cruises to save 10% in 2027. How flexible are you with the possibility of having a 5-day gap between cruises? There are endless possibilities for how to spend that time, but do you have the time is the question? You could rent a place in Tuscany and do day trips until your second cruise!


Here is a list of ideas to pair with our 2027 Essence of Burgundy & Provence cruise, below, as a back-to-back. The details lie in whether you take the land extensions on both or either cruise.


Best of Holland and Belgium Nov. 27 (6-day gap)

Paris & Normandy October 30 (just a few days, depending on if you take the pre- and post-land extension.)

Magna on the Danube October 31

Romantic Danube October 30

Rhine and Moselle Splendors October 20 (longer gap)

Captivating Rhine October 30


Please click on "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" below if you're interested in trying a back to back in 2027! This way, I can reach out to you with ideas.


Are you interested in a back-to-back cruise in 2027?
Thumbs up        Thumbs down

2027 River Cruise Group!

It's never too early to plan a trip

Essence of Burgundy & Provence

Wine Cruise

November 11, 2027!


Book your 2027 group river cruise now!


Click the link below for all of the details of our next group cruise!


 

Group River Cruises

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!)

 

TULIP TIME


March 27, 2026

Amsterdam to Amsterdam


MORE INFORMATION


RHINE CASTLES & SWISS ALPS


October 27, 2026

Amsterdam to Basel


MORE INFORMATION


ESSENCE OF BURGUNDY & PROVENCE


NEW!--November 11, 2027

Dijon to Arles


MORE INFORMATION


 

Your GO-TO travel tools!


Ama's AirPlus

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Allianz Allyz App

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Ama's MyAma App

________

FAQs

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Prepare for your cruise

 



Surf to my website and you can....


Book a tour/excursion through Viator with me


Book an AmaWaterways cruise through me


Get an Allianz travel insurance quote with me


Sign up for my monthly newsletter


And you can see all of the group trips offered by my agency!



Visit Yellow Bug Travels


Join our Facebook group for tips and info.


FOR THE LOVE OF RIVER CRUISING

 
 

Thank you for reading my monthly news! I appreciate each of my

current and future clients!


Write to me if you have ideas or pictures.

I'd love to hear/ see them!

 

Want to see more? Follow Yellow Bug Travels!

By subscribing to my monthly newsletter,

you will receive ALL of my exclusive perks! 


I now offer access to LIVE inventory and self-booking options for some cruises—all while still enjoying my expert guidance!


And here’s the best part—I’ll be listed as your travel advisor, ensuring you get the support and insider knowledge you deserve.


Could you book direct or with a retailer such as Costco? Sure, but who will you call when your flight is canceled, you're tired at the

airport, and you need to know how to get to the ship?

That's where my guidance can really help!


You'll enjoy:

  •  Onboard Spending Credits – Extra $$ for spa treatments, laundry, specialty drinks, and more on some sailings!


  • Complimentary Upgrades – Exclusive opportunities for cabin upgrades when available.


  • Private Promotions & Discounts – Hidden deals and added value just for my clients.


  • Personalized Service & VIP Advocacy – Whether you need a little help or full-service planning, I’ve got you covered!

 

You get the best of both worlds—the freedom to book yourself AND the benefits of my expertise and connections.



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