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Yellow Bug Travels
May 1, 2026
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If you’re new here, it’s likely because we’re working together on a trip—welcome!
I share travel ideas, updates, and a few fun extras. Of course, you can unsubscribe anytime.
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As we head into May, travel is top of mind for so many—whether it’s planning ahead or simply starting to dream a little. We're going to cover lots of travel options this month!
please note....
out of office
May 7 - 16 (yacht experience)
and
May 25 - 29 (ASTA Conference)
PS-read to the end so you see the new "Wise Benji" section!
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I know many of you are still looking ahead to 2026 trips (and rightfully so!), but I did want to mention that the promotions for my 2027 river cruise groups are the best I've seen and they are set to change June 30.
A small $200 pp deposit will hold your space!
| | Take a look at what the dates could look like for you! | |
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I share a bit more day-to-day—ship tours, travel insights, and what I’m seeing firsthand—
over on social.
Yellow Bug Travels
| | | | As you may know, Celebrity Cruises is entering the river market in 2027! | | |
THIS IS HOW YOU RIVER. THE CELEBRITY WAY
We’re giving you the keys to the cities, the local flavors, the breathtaking views, and the stories that stay with you long after you leave.
Get as close as it gets. We take you where guidebooks can’t, through new discovery series that bring you closer to the culture and the people who shape every destination.
Every detail is designed to keep you connected to Europe at every moment and transform our ships into your happy place on the river. Your journey begins earlier, lingers longer, and feels richer with seamless pre and post-cruise stays in iconic cities like Budapest and Prague.
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This is a new standard on the river.
Our ships were designed to change the way you river. With sleek profiles, open decks, and thoughtfully engineered interiors, every Celebrity river cruise ship offers a new level of comfort, connection, and quiet innovation.
These are the most advanced river cruise ships in Europe, purpose-built to glide through narrow passages, offer uninterrupted views, and bring you closer to the heart of every destination. Fewer guests, more space, and experiences that are made just for you, The Celebrity Way.
| Five new ships, sold out for 2027! | | |
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EU ETIAS postponed again....
I've been getting a lot of questions and concerns about the EU "VISA." Here is some clarification.
ETIAS is a pre-travel security authorization, not a visa. It screens for security threats, health risks, or immigration risks before arrival. ETIAS is expected to begin operations in Q4 2026, postponed from earlier 2024 and 2025 timelines.
Applications will be fully online or via a mobile app, intended to be fast and user-friendly. Travelers cannot register for ETIAS yet; the EU will announce the official launch date closer to the time.
The authorization fee is expected to be €7 (subject to change).
Make sure to use the official link below when you're ready to register.
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Amawaterways Colombia
Stretching from the Andes to the Caribbean, the Magdalena flows through Colombia’s vibrant heartland. This unique cruise destination reveals colonial towns, lively music and dance, colorful markets, and wildlife living along jungle-lined shores.
If you are looking for a river cruise closer to home but still a luxury experience, maybe this is your next trip!
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Is It Still Safe to Travel to Egypt?
This is one of the most common questions I get recently—and the answer is yes, especially when traveling on a guided itinerary or Nile river cruise.
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Tourism in Egypt is very well-supported, with structured itineraries, experienced guides, and routes designed specifically for travelers. Most visits focus on established areas like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, which are accustomed to welcoming international guests.
For those interested in history, culture, and something truly different, Egypt remains one of the most fascinating and rewarding destinations to experience.
And why not do it with the expertise of AmaWaterways. Perfect!
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A Different Way to Cruise:
My Upcoming French Riviera Yacht Experience
In 8 short days, I’ll be experiencing something a little different for me—and I’m excited to share it with you. I will be stepping aboard VidantaWorld's ELEGANT Ultra Mega Yacht.
I’ve been invited to sail on a brand-new luxury yacht along the French Riviera, and what immediately stood out to me is how it fits into a category that many travelers don’t even realize exists.
With just 216 guests onboard and a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, this experience blends the intimacy of a small ship with the amenities you’d expect from a much larger vessel—multiple dining venues, lounges, a spa, fitness center, casino and curated excursions.
It’s not a large ocean cruise, and it’s not a river cruise.
It’s something in between.
These smaller yachts can access ports and coastal areas that larger ships simply can’t reach, while still offering a level of onboard experience that goes beyond what you typically find on a river cruise.
For travelers who love the idea of exploring Europe in a more relaxed, immersive way—but also enjoy elevated dining, space, and variety—this can be a really compelling option.
I’ll be onboard May 9–16 and plan to share more while I'm there and once I return—from the accommodations and dining to the overall feel and who I think this type of travel is best suited for. They have itineraries to the French Riviera, Greece, Italy, Azores/Portugal and the Spanish Coast for starters.
If this is something you’re curious about, I’m always happy to talk through whether it might be a good fit for you.
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Not Every Dream Trip Fits
Into One Type of Travel
When we think about future travel, it’s easy to focus on one style—often the one we’re most familiar with.
For many, that’s river cruising. And for good reason—it’s one of the most seamless and enriching ways to explore parts of the world like Europe, as well as destinations like Vietnam & Cambodia, Egypt, and even Africa.
But some of the most extraordinary places on earth simply can’t be experienced by river cruise.
Places like Antarctica, where expedition ships navigate through ice-filled waters.
The Galápagos Islands, where wildlife encounters are unlike anywhere else in the world.
The vast landscapes of Australia, or the dramatic beauty of Patagonia.
These are journeys that require a different approach—but offer equally unforgettable experiences.
What I often remind my clients is this:
There isn’t just one way to see the world well.
Sometimes it’s a river cruise through Southeast Asia.
Sometimes it’s sailing the Nile.
And sometimes…it’s standing at the edge of a glacier in Patagonia or watching penguins in Antarctica.
Each experience offers something completely different.
And many of these trips are ones that are best taken while you can—whether for physical reasons, timing, or simply the desire to experience something truly extraordinary.
If there’s a destination that’s been sitting in the back of your mind, it’s always worth starting the conversation sooner rather than later.
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A Different Way to Explore Scotland, England & Ireland
There’s a lesser-known style of small-ship travel through the British Isles that combines stunning landscapes with onboard experts like naturalists and photographers—turning each stop into a deeper, more meaningful experience. It's none other than National Geographic!
With ships ranging from just 48–148 guests, these journeys can even navigate smaller waterways and locks in Scotland that larger ships simply can’t access.
If you’re looking for something more immersive and off the beaten path, this is definitely worth a look.
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A New York City Holiday
Consider experiencing the "Big Apple” alive with the holiday spirit on this spectacular tour with Collette. From Rockefeller Center to Greenwich Village, New York City shines even brighter during the holiday season.
Spend four nights in the heart of Midtown close to Central Park’s skating rink and Times Square all dressed up for the holidays. See the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, featuring the world-famous Rockettes!
Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. See the Empire State Building and Central Park. Visit the poignant 9/11 Museum and 9/11 Memorial. Enjoy plenty of free time on your own to shop and see the elaborate 5th Avenue holiday window displays and the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.
Want to hear more, email me!
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Imagine.....
Embark on a luxurious journey aboard the Symphony, a 50-meter cruise yacht gliding through the stunning Adriatic coast of Croatia.
Tailored for intimate private charters and small group voyages, Symphony delivers top-tier comfort, bespoke service, and genuine Croatian adventures.
With 15 chic en-suite cabins accommodating up to 30 guests, each boasting modern amenities and air-conditioning, Symphony's interiors exude a harmonious mix of contemporary style and Adriatic-inspired hues.
Relax in various outdoor lounges, luxuriate in the jacuzzi with sweeping sea vistas, or savor cocktails at the upper-deck bar.
Built in 2021 and renovated in 2023, Symphony strikes the perfect chord between sophistication, contemporary flair, and carefree island exploration.
Do you have 30 friends who would go? Want to know more?
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Our river cruise groups are on the move! 10 people have signed up so far--
come join us!
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
- Up to $500 off per person, group discount
- 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
- AirPlus--can cover BOTH cruises!!
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 (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!
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Client Spotlight
May's client spotlight is two couples who experienced AmaWaterways on the brand new AmaSofia this month.
“ We had a wonderful trip!! The boat was beautiful, the food was great and the service was excellent. Sadly, it went by too fast.”
-K. McDonald
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We only need one more couple to book into our Italy group to be full.
Will it be you?
What are you waiting for?
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If you’ve traveled with me and had a great experience, I would be so grateful if you’d
take a minute to leave a quick review.
It really helps others feel confident when planning their trips—
and it means so much to me.
Click HERE.
Thank you, always, for your support!
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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!)
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MAGNA ON THE DANUBE
WINE CRUISE
November 7, 2027
Vilshofen to Budapest
MORE INFORMATION
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ESSENCE OF BURGUNDY & PROVENCE
FESTIVE DELIGHTS
November 18, 2027
Dijon to Arles
MORE INFORMATION
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We're already up to 10 bookings into our 2027 groups!
What are you waiting for? This is your invitation!
All pricing and promos WILL change June 30 and then you will miss out best pricing!
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Meet Benji—my 6-year-old Havanese and daily office companion.
He spends most of his time by my side while I work (and occasionally supervising very closely), and I’m constantly catching him in moments where I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking.
So I thought I’d add a little something fun to the end of each newsletter—"Wise Benji"
A new photo each month…and what I imagine might be one of his “deep thoughts.”
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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.
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