Yellow Bug Travel's
August News
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Welcome to the August edition, and thank you for your patience while I traveled to see my family this past month.
August topics:
- New group space
- Get through Customs quicker
- Discounted air? Yes please
If you have ideas for topics that would be useful to you, or other readers, please send me an email or post on our Facebook page.
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ICONIC CHRISTMAS MARKETS CRUISE
I have group space for this cruise!
Christmas Market cruises fill up quickly, so don’t wait just because you think it is too far in advance. Lock your spot in now.
Our date is December 7, 2026 on the AmaVerde from Budapest to Nuremberg. There are pre and post land in Budapest and Prague and this sailing has the Triple Holiday Savings promotion as well as the AirPlus attached to it.
Talk to your neighbors, girlfriends, coworkers or family and do this trip as a group! Contact me for pricing and availability.
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC CHRISTMAS MARKETS, 2026
CRUISE FROM : BUDAPEST TO NUREMBURG
Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany; Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic; Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; and Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where products sold in the market are traditionally handmade are yours to explore. Sparkling lights; the festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind; and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses.
COUNTRIES: AUSTRIA, GERMANY, HUNGARY
RIVERS: DANUBE
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WEBSITE REFRESH
Click below and check out my newly refreshed website. I've added some interactive links from Allianz insurance and Viator tours.
Just a bit of a different look but better usability.
If you've sailed with me, it would mean a lot to me if you leave me a review!
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Don't have Global Entry? Try MPC
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device.
| We are still finalizing the date and itinerary for this cruise. More to come soon! | |
Take a picture of your passport and file it in the documents on your phone.
If you were to lose your passport on your trip, it is so helpful to have a copy!!
It is also smart to leave a copy with a family member.
| You can now get your Allianz insurance quote on my website. | |
Where can I find savings?
Before you choose your next river cruise itinerary, check out the groups that are already formed on my website.
This way you get the discounts that come with a group. You will get an automatic $250 off per person, and often I do have cruise benefits to give an additional 5% off.
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Should I fly in a day early for my cruise?
It is true that if you book your air on your actual dates of travel, your transfers will be included with most cruise lines. But what if your flight cancels? Or you have a delay which in turn makes you miss your connection?
As I sit at the airport and flights continue to delay and cancel throughout today, I realize what a gamble it is. It seems more likely these days to have oversold flights and then delays and cancellations on top of that.
One way to protect yourself if travel insurance, as much as that is a cost you would love to avoid.
Another way is to get to your destination early if possible. If that means go in a day or so early and pay for your own transfers, it might be worth the peace of mind.
Think of that extra $60 as peace of mind.
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FCB’s
I have limited Future Cruise Benefits again.
50% reduced deposit and an additional 5% off cruise fare.
I don’t have many, and as always, first come.
Contact me today.
| Apricot frangipane puff pastry tart recipe | |
Austria’s Wachau Valley experiences a seasonal orange-golden rush with their highly-prized apricots, known to be made into jams, brandies and liqueurs. The incomparable taste and aroma of Wachau’s apricots shine through with its “protected designation of origin” status from the European Union. During our included Apricots and Sweets Special Interest Tour in Dürnstein, Austria, you will have the opportunity to taste their enticing flavor while sailing on one of our many Danube River Cruises.
This recipe is too long, so here's the link for this one!
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Did you know...
When you do an excursion using the bikes with Amawaterways, you can then take the bike out on your own.
By doing an excursion, you've already signed the waiver, so you are good to go.
Sometimes it's nice to get out of the crowded areas and go explore on your own, or even with some new friends you might have made along the way.
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Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming quintas.
Taste wines from these vineyards and discover the timeless traditions of Portuguese winemaking throughout your journey.
Did you know there are two Portugal Itineraries? One having an extension in Madrid, Spain!
The ships are smaller and are Oh so popular! So book early for either itinerary!
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Come together as strangers, return home as friends
Join us for Taste of Bordeaux Nov. 6, 2025. This is a wine cruise in Bordeaux, France!
We will cruise Bordeaux to Bordeaux with some amazing sites and excursions along the way.
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Can you river cruise in Italy? A question I get asked a lot.
There are no rivers in Italy that accommodate a river cruise ship, BUT how about this option?
Uniworld has an itinerary that will sail in and around Venice, and then you can add land and rail to it so you can see Rome, Milan, Switzerland, Turkey and from 8-19 days!
This is a great way to have the best of both worlds, a river cruise and some land, and get to see Italy!!
Call me if you are interested. Uniworld is a great luxury cruise option to see this beautiful part of Europe.
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Can I bring my curling iron on a river cruise?
I get this question so often, it is worth reposting this article.
The short answer is no. Can you get a European curling iron, yes. BUT, you should show it to the reservations desk on the ship first, it may still not get approved.
The front desk will lend you a curling iron for a day or two if you really need one.
Another option is thermal velcro rollers that you use the blow dryer (provided) to heat up.
Remember, this is a casual vacation, you'll be walking most days out in the wind, and at the end of the day, all 156 guests can't bring their curling iron either.
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LAST CHANCE TO BOOK NOV. 3 MAGNA ON THE DANUBE CRUISE IS COMING FAST.
WE ONLY HAVE 5 DAYS LEFT TO BOOK!
ONLY 5 CABINS LEFT!
EMAIL ME TODAY!
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NEW AMAWATERWAYS PROMOTIONS
- Save up to 20%
- Summer triple savings
- AirPlus
- Holiday Triple Savings
- Solo Travelers Savings
- Save 10% on back to back sailings
- Loyalty Savings
- Military Savings
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Tell me, how you will travel next?
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| How will you travel on your next vacation? | | | |
Tell me why you plan to travel this way! Not only do I love to learn more about my clients, but I want to learn what groups to put together for you all.
Will it be a land group to Ireland, Italy? Or a luxury ocean cruise to Turkey?
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I am trying to transition my email address to be better in line with my business name as well as my website and business cards.
The new email address I have started to use moving forward is jen@yellowbugtravels.com Thank you!
| New Years Eve Cruise, yes please! | |
Here are 10 reasons to sail on New Years Eve cruise with Ama.
There are still rooms for 2024. Less crowds, better promotions, and better pricing on airfare. Win win!
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Tipping can be confusing, you'll see different answers all over the place.
Here is a guide given to me by Amawaterways.
Guides for tours 3 Euros
Bus drivers 2 Euros
Be sure to keep in mind the local customs when visiting destinations like the Czech Republic and Hungary. It's a thoughtful gesture to tip in their local currency, making it easier for the locals.
Carrying coins is easier than lots of small bills!
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Have you heard "Air Plus" mentioned? Want to know more?
With the AirPlus promotion, Ama offers roundtrip trans-Atlantic flights and transfers at fixed rates starting as low as $899 per person on select 2024 and 2025 Europe sailings. This offer is combinable on select sailings with other promotions, so you can relax knowing you are getting the greatest value on your entire journey.
FIXED RATES PER PERSON
Economy Air: $899 2024/2025 / $999 for 2026
Premium Economy Air: $2,299
Business Class Air: $4,299
AirPlus is also available on all sailings in Europe reserved 330 days or more prior to departure. Visit AmaWaterways.com/airplus for complete terms and conditions.
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Preparing for your cruise
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It is SO exciting when it's time to check in to yoiur upcoming trip!
On the Amawaterways website's home page, click on "prepare for your cruise." There is so much good information here.
Online check in, what to pack, tips about flights and so much more. If you haven't visited this part of their site, I recommend you do.
This is where you can download the MyAma app and choose your excursions when it is time.
For our group in November, you'll notice AmaMagna has it's own link. Check it out!
Of course if you still have questions, just reach out to me and we can figure it out!
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FUN FACT:
The concept of all-inclusive resorts may seem like a modern-day invention designed to cater to the jet-setting needs of travelers, but did you know that the idea originated in the Caribbean over 70 years ago? It's true!
The first all-inclusive resort opened its doors in 1950 in Jamaica, marking a new era of vacationing that has since become synonymous with fun, relaxation, and indulgence.
Since then, all-inclusive resorts have grown in popularity, providing travelers with an easy way to escape the stresses of daily life and immerse themselves in exotic destinations without worrying about the small details.
So next time you're looking for a travel fun fact to impress your friends and colleagues, remember that the Caribbean is the birthplace of all-inclusive resorts – a little piece of history that has changed the way we travel forever!
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Sign up here!
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Join my FB Group
"For the love of
river cruising"
| I try to share tips on locations and the river cruise process. Feel free to share your expertise as well! I love interacting with you all! |
I hope this newsletter is valuable to you. Thank you for reading! | | |
Current Itineraries with group space | |
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Magna on the Danube
November 3, 2024
Prices as low as $12,144.00
AB category
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Blue Danube Discoveries
June 11, 2025
Prices as low as ~$8400.00
E category
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Taste of Bordeaux, wine cruise
November 6, 2025
Prices as low as $8184.20
D category
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Prices above include all taxes and fees for double occupancy.
Does not include airfare or insurance.
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Iconic Christmas Markets
December 7, 2026
Pricing coming soon!
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If you, or someone you know is interested in joining one of the above groups, click the link below for more information. Reach out to lock in your spot! | |
What is my next trip?
Magna on the Danube November 3, 2024!
There are 5 rooms left on the ship if you'd like to join me!
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Thank you for your patience while I was on vacation in Upstate New York this past month. So nice to spend time with family.
If you haven’t been to upstate, it is worth a trip. There are so many amazing places to visit. Here are a few of my highlights from Watkins Glen State Park, some sunsets in Rochester, Green Lakes State Park and such.
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Wine tour with my Aunt, Uncle, cousin and sister on Seneca Lake | |
Sunset on Cranberry Pond, Rochester, NY | |
Green Lakes State Park, Syracuse NY | Thank you for supporting my small business! I truly appreciate all my clients AND future clients! | | | | |
