Yellow Bug Travels

08/30/2026

I need your input!

After spending time onboard Windstar Star Legend, I'm
considering opening group space for one of two Windstar itineraries—but they are very different experiences with similar itineraries.

Option 1: A sailing yacht experience, Windstar Surf
Option 2: A motor yacht experience, Star Legend

So—-which would you choose? Both ships have around 342 guests on board.

The dates I am thinking about are spring 27 or 28. Comment below if another date is best for you.

Option 1

PIRAEUS, ATHENS → ISTANBUL
11 Nights on Star Legend, motor yacht

With four days to explore glorious Istanbul and another eight to discover what lies beyond the Golden Horn, you don’t need an oracle to tell you this is one auspicious voyage. Everywhere you look in Istanbul you’ll find some fascinating remnant of days gone by – places where chariots raced, sultans ruled and architects’ greatest aspirations were realized. After you’ve oohed and aahed over the world-renowned mosques, palaces and bazaars, board your yacht to see more jewels of the Aegean. Islands glowing with whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches; origin stories of gods, oracles, and Atlantis; a canal so narrow you’ll only share it with small mail boats, private yachts and paddleboarders. Plus, enjoy a complimentary Destination Discovery Event – dinner and a concert in the moonlight in ancient Ephesus.

Option 2

PIRAEUS, ATHENS → PIRAEUS, ATHENS
10 Nights on Wind Surf, sailing yacht

Delve into the ancient wonders of early Western Civilization on this 10-day journey featuring Meteora and Delphi, with time to explore the islands of Greece aboard a trusted Greece cruise line. Stroll the monument-lined Sacred Way toward the Grand Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Savor a moonlit Turkish dinner and romantic concert among the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey during Windstar’s complimentary Destination Discovery Event, an exceptional experience included at no additional cost. Imagine the sense of adventure among Medieval Turkish raiders as you stare at natural sandstone pillars throughout Meteora Valley. Sip local Assyrtiko wine paired with freshly caught calamari while relaxing high above Santorini’s steep volcanic slopes. Relax by the crystal clear waters of Acropolis, Mykonos and Santorini beaches. Gaze across the Baroque-styled parapets of Palamidi Castle at Nafplio’s red-tiled roofs and the azure Argolic Gulf.

I can’t wait to hear your responses!

08/26/2026

Today we boarded the Windstar Star Legend, and so far, I am REALLY impressed!

The ship is 100% sold out this week, so I'll get a true feel for what it's like with all 315 guests on board. The crew has been fantastic, the ship is beautiful, and I absolutely love the size. It doesn't feel overwhelming or crowded like some larger ships can. Bonus is every suite has a walk in closet!!

Even our “basic” suite has SO much space, along with a French balcony. Take a look at the video!

One thing I really love is where the ship is docked. We're right in the city—just like a river cruise ship—so you can step off and you're right where you want to be. No long transfers just to get into town.

Tonight we're staying overnight in Bordeaux, which means we get to enjoy the city this evening AND tomorrow before we sail on.

If you’re interested in this more intimate small ship size, keep an eye out this week because there is more to come!

08/17/2026

I may be out of the office, but I'll be doing my homework!

I'm heading out on a Windstar cruise and will be stepping away from the office. I'll be soaking up the small-ship experience so I can come back with firsthand knowledge to share with my clients.

08/07/2026

Amawaterways + Backroads!

Cover even more ground on a stellar journey that offers a one-of-a-kind vantage point and unique access to beautiful tucked-away landscapes. After unforgettable days filled with active on-shore adventures and local encounters, return to the exquisite comforts and incomparable hospitality aboard your elegant floating hotel – it’s like two vacations in one!

It's the perfect blend of active adventure and effortless luxury.

And don't worry—you don't have to be an avid cyclist! Backroads offers excursions for a variety of activity levels, from leisurely rides to more challenging adventures. Whether you prefer to bike, hike, or simply immerse yourself in the local scenery, there's an experience designed just for you.

For travelers who love being outdoors, discovering hidden corners of Europe, and returning each evening to the comfort of a floating boutique hotel, this is truly the best of both worlds.

08/07/2026

One of the highlights of my job recently was joining an AmaWaterways webinar with co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst. It wasn't a sales presentation—it was an inside look at how their ships are imagined, designed, and continually improved.

I've included a few photos from the webinar, including one that really caught my attention—a side-by-side comparison of the AmaRudi next to a traditional European river ship being built in the shipyard. Seeing them together really puts into perspective just how much wider the AmaRudi is and why it offers such a different onboard experience, with larger staterooms, more dining options, and spacious public areas. And with that size difference, only 20 extra cabins!

What I found even more interesting was hearing Rudi talk about the design process. When he first sailed on the AmaMagna, he didn't just admire what had been built—he started making a list of things he thought could be even better.

Those ideas became the inspiration for AmaRudi, AmaWaterways' newest ship. I love that mindset: even after creating something as impressive as the AmaMagna, the goal wasn't to stop innovating but to keep refining the guest experience.

As a travel advisor, I appreciate opportunities like this because they give me a deeper understanding of the companies I recommend. The more I learn about the ships, the people behind them, and the thought that goes into every detail, the better I can help my clients find the right fit for their European adventure.

08/06/2026

Join either of two expertly curated golf itineraries in Europe with Amawaterways. Enjoy a round of golf at up to five championship courses alongside a dedicated guide, with club care and luxury transportation throughout.

BOTANIQ Máriavölgyi Golf Club
Host of the Hungarian Open
Budapest, Hungary
Designed by the famous Austrian course designer Hans G. Erhardt, who believes Pannonia is the best course in Hungary

and

Penati Country Club
Host of the Slovakian Open
Senica, Slovakia
A Nicklaus Design LEGEND COURSE that complies with USGA standards at the world PGA level

These are just two of the courses to play on, on the Magna on the Danube river cruise itinerary. There are also French Golf itineraries. Message me to find more information.

See all of the amenities included! https://www.amawaterways.com/enhance-journey/golf

08/04/2026

A traditional junk boat threads between the limestone towers of Halong Bay. Half a world away, a fire dancer spins flaming batons on a private motu off Bora Bora.

Two dream getaways a hemisphere apart, each a Windstar voyage on a yacht with fewer than 350 guests.

In French Polynesia, that's harvesting a black pearl in Raiatea, drifting over reef sharks in the Tuamotus and witnessing the stone tikis of the Marquesas. In Southeast Asia, it's the sunrise over Angkor Wat, a voyage up the Saigon River into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and the legendary street food of Malaysia.

Ready to learn more? https://www.windstarcruises.com/specials/christmas-in-july/?utm_campaign=43704428-wsc%20-%20cruise-beyond&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--FL5X6ugPgQoFQleLPFBjfSol2QJWEUpErFeK2SSCFzAH0yMf9_pFPsyoqNlk6I9Oy-Mdnlc_lgIzquudxU3UR4T_xddf9ZvNZrnR7YXVvZlNFt0E&_hsmi=429466588&utm_content=429466588&utm_source=hs_email

Our annual Christmas in July Sales Event is back with a festive bundle of perks on voyages across the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Canary Islands, Tahiti, Latin America and beyond.

08/01/2026

Feel the Latin Touch on Europe’s rivers with AmaWaterways—lively culture, regional flavors, and unforgettable moments onboard. Tap to explore the cruises: https://inspires.to/experiences/experience-the-latin-touch-along-the-rive

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Discover AmaWaterways' Latin Touch cruises

07/30/2026

Would You Bike Through a Vineyard?

Picture this...

The morning air is cool, the sun is just beginning to warm the rolling hills, and you're cycling along quiet country roads lined with vineyards that have been producing wine for centuries.

You stop to admire the view, chat with a local winemaker, and later enjoy a leisurely lunch paired with the region's famous wines.

This isn't about racing from one place to another.

It's about slowing down and experiencing France at its own pace.

One of the things I love most about river cruising is that you can choose excursions that match your interests. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hop on a bike and explore the countryside. If you'd rather take it easy, there are always guided walking tours and scenic coach excursions.

That's why I chose the Essence of Burgundy & Provence itinerary for one of my hosted 2027 groups. It offers so many ways to experience the beauty, flavors, and charm of France—whether you're a cyclist, a foodie, a wine lover, or simply someone who enjoys discovering beautiful places.

So tell me... would you bike through a vineyard, or would you rather sip the wine at the end of the ride? 🍷