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Yellow Bug Travel's
April 2025 News
April 1, 2025
| | | Why I keep attending the River Cruise Expo | Last year, as a first-time Expo attendee, I found myself wide-eyed and unsure of how to make the most of my time in Vienna. But with this being my second year, I felt much more comfortable and confident. On my first day, I set out on my own to explore and compare different ships. I compared laundry costs among "luxury" brands and found Amawaterways' prices to be significantly lower. I also checked out the ship layouts, and one "luxury" brand had a lounge and dance floor right above the cabins, where people sleep—little details like these help reinforce why I prefer to sell certain brands. | | |
On my second day, I had the opportunity to have lunch with Amawaterways' Senior VP of Sales, along with other agents. After lunch, I spent time talking with agents who have 42 years of experience in the industry, picking their brains and gaining valuable insights. This interaction made the event incredibly worthwhile, so much so that I’ve already signed up for next year!
While the event is expensive, especially with the travel costs to Europe, the experience of touching, feeling, and networking is worth every penny. It gives me the confidence to help my clients find the best options for them. And when I return home, I’m more excited than ever to help you all find the perfect fit!
Pictured above: Co-Owner of Amawaterways, Rudi Schreiner sat and chatted with us, such a nice guy!
VP of Sales of Amawaterways, Alex Pinelo and some other advisors.
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Complimentary Land promotion is now extended until June 30! You have some extra time to book, but don't forget,
land extensions can fill up, get your spot now!
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How about we extend this promotion through April?
And how about we make it $150 per referral!
This offer is exclusive to my loyal newsletter readers, I am only mentioning this here in my newsletter, so if you are reading it, you know my promotion is extended through April!! Mention "Refer a Friend" to me to get your gift card!
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BIG savings alert!
I have a special list of select dates and sailings where Amawaterways will double your future cruise benefits! Instead of the usual 5% off, you'll get 10% off on these exclusive dates in 2025.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, feel free to reach out, and I’ll be happy to check availability for you. These special offers are only available for cruise benefits purchased at the Cruise Expo!
Contact me today!
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European trains for the win!
Have you been adventurous on your international trips and taken the train? If not, you're missing out!
European trains are incredibly smooth—it's like flying, but on the ground. With large picture windows, you can sit back and watch the stunning landscapes unfold. From my experience, they run pretty much on time the vast majority of the time.
Why bother with driving when you can relax, enjoy the view, and then hop off in the middle of a charming village or bustling city?
The photo above is of the beautiful Austria Lake region, taken right out of my window. It’s just one of the many incredible sights you can experience by train!
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Small tip for you!
Whenever I travel in Europe I always carry a black washcloth.
Why? Because most European hotels don't have wash clothes. They consider it a personal item such as a toothbrush. I prefer to have mine on hand and I can always toss it in the wash when I get on the ship.
But don't worry, river cruise ships do provide washcloths in your bathroom, so you’re covered there!
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My favorite travel bags...
I had a client reach out to me recently asking which suitcase I use and why I like it. My answer, my Travelpro carryon. And why I like it is it has held up though more cobblestone streets than I can count. I prefer it for it's size and durability. It fits the EU standards, but can extend as well in the US. All around it just fits me well!
My backpack is a Bagalini and it has tons of pockets, and easy zippers. It fits onto my suitcase really well. I love walking through the airport not having to carry anything on my shoulders.
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Budapest Central Markets
This market hall, also known as the Great Market Hall, is one of the largest indoor markets in Budapest and boasts beautiful neo-Gothic architecture. Here, you'll find lots of fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, cured meats, and dairy products. And on the upper floors, you can taste authentic Hungarian cuisine (like goulash with dumplings) at the food stalls and eateries. Locals come here for their groceries and lunch so it's best to visit in the late morning or early afternoon for fewer crowds.
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Visit my site to see all group travel!
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I have purchased 20 FCB's in Vienna, get ready to get yours before they are gone!
There are select dates in 2025 where they can be doubled, ask me about them.
| | | UK ETA not needed for those transiting through the UK. If you stay, you need to apply! |
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Everyone should have this on their phone....
Allyz App
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Join our groups on FB!
Here is where you'll find day to day most up to date information!
| | Small Group Land Tours Available | | |
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Italy!
Picture yourself basking in the glow of the sun as you stroll along the stunning coastline, marveling at the intricate architecture that tells tales of centuries gone by, and indulging in mouthwatering cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds.
This is your chance to join us on a trip of a lifetime, but don’t wait too long—there are only 24 spots available in this intimate group, making it a perfect opportunity to forge lasting friendships with fellow travelers who share your passion for adventure.
So, grab your passport and let’s make some memories together that you’ll cherish forever—because in Italy, every moment is a celebration waiting to happen!
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Italy 2026
Small group discovery
with CIE!
Only 24 ppl max
September 7 - 17, 2026
10 days / 9 nights
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Deposits due to hold your spot of $250 pp.
Deposits are refundable until 100 days in advance of trip.
Contact me today to save your space! jen@yellowbugtravels.com
| | ~~ River Cruising Section ~~ | |
See our group river cruises available--New additions!
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Taste of Bordeaux, wine cruise
November 6, 2025
Bordeaux to Bordeaux
Land extension in San Sebastian and Bilbao, Spain
and Loire Valley, France
B cabin as low as ~$9,658.00
Plus an additional 5% off with FCB!
Currently has save $1500 per room
$250 pp group savings
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NEW!!--Tulip Time
March 27, 2026
Amsterdam to Amsterdam
Land extension in Amsterdam
Pricing as low (E) as $4498
Plus an additional 5% off with FCB
As of 3/31, also include $150 pp on board credit!
Currently has save $1000 per room OR Complimentary Land
$250 pp group savings
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NEW!!--Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
October 27, 2026
Amsterdam to Basel
Land Extensions in Amsterdam
and Lake Como, Italy
Pricing as low (E) as $6898 OR use comp. land promotion.
Plus an additional 5% off with FCB
Currently has Complimentary Land OR $1500 off per room
$250 off pp group savings
Air for $999 per person
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NEW!!--Essence of Burgundy & Provence
November 19, 2026
"Ladies only cruise"
Arles to Port of Dijon
Land Extensions in Nice, France
and Geneva, Switzerland
Pricing as low (E) as $6698 OR use comp. land promotion.
Plus an additional 5% off with FCB!
Currently has $1500 off per room OR Complimentary Land
$250 off pp group discount
Air for $999 per person
| | Iconic Christmas Markets
December 7, 2026
Budapest to Nuremberg
Land extension in Budapest and Prague
$250 off pp group discount
Air for $999 per person
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** All prices above are for double occupancy, with taxes and fees included.
No air or insurance is added.
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!
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Have you heard AirPlus 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 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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Now that you've deposited your cruise, what's the next step?
You will want to login to the top of the Amawaterways page under "Your Cruise" to fill out your emergency contacts and your health questionaire.
Once that is done, you can just plan what you will pack and sit back and get excited.
At around 60 days from your trip, you'll want to download the MyAma app and login with your booking ID. Here you'll get to choose your excursions. This is where it gets exciting! But don't fret, if you change your mind about which excursions, you'll be able to do that right up until you walk on the ship. Your cruise manager will help you with that.
Around 30 days out form your trip, your cruise documents will be ready, and accessible on the app as well. Here you'll get all the details, of where the ship will be, where to find an Ama rep at the airport etc. Read through these thoroughly!
Once your exiciting day comes that you finally get to your starting destination, that's where the magic happens. Make sure when you board the ship to make your reservations for the Chef's Table. Did you know you can borrow a curling iron at the Reservatios desk? You sure can!
And did you know that you can board the ship as early as 9 am? You can, although your room may not be ready until 3 pm. You can have a snack and a drink and meet your fellow cruisers.
I hope you have an upcoming river cruise to get excited about. If not, contact me and we can find you your perfect itinerary!
Happy Sailing!!
| I hope this newsletter is valuable to you. Thank you for reading! | | Want to always be in the know? | |
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"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! | |
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My next trip?
River Cruise Expo in Vienna in March 2025!!
| | Thank you for supporting my small business! I truly appreciate all my clients AND future clients! | | | | |
