August 2026

8/25/2026

YP journeys

Volume 3 • Issue 8.2

PLANNING EDITION

Welcome!

Travel planning often begins long before a reservation is made. Sometimes the opportunity is already on the calendar and the time has come to decide. Other times, the first step is simply discovering an experience compelling enough to start imagining yourself there.

This month, we’re looking at three very different stages of that process: an established YP journeys group departure for spring 2027 with only a few spaces remaining, and two exceptional journeys we’re beginning to explore for 2028.

As always, some of our most interesting journeys begin with an idea. If one of these speaks to you, let Yuri know. Your interest can help shape what comes next.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] or through www.ypjourneys.com.

Warm regards,

Yuri Pross
Owner & Travel Advisor
YP journeys

FEATURED PLANNING TOPIC

Tulip Time on the Rhine & Dutch Waterways — April 2027 — Reserve Now

Spring in the Netherlands brings one of Europe’s great seasonal displays as millions of tulips transform gardens and countryside into brilliant fields of color.

Our April 2027 AmaWaterways Tulip Time group journey is already established, and only a few spaces remain available.

This is no longer a trip that belongs in the “maybe someday” category. River cruise availability becomes increasingly limited as departure approaches, particularly when travelers are looking for specific accommodations. If you have been considering joining us, now is the time to take another look at your calendar and decide whether April 2027 is your Tulip Time. As a reminder, I have six Future Cruise Benefit Vouchers available that provide a reduced deposit and 5% off the cruise fare and can be applied to this sailing.

Contact Yuri for current availability and details.

East Africa — Spring 2028 — Start Thinking

Some journeys begin with a destination. Others begin with an experience so extraordinary that we build the journey around it.

For spring 2028, we are exploring a small-group African journey centered around an opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

The experience under consideration would take us into Uganda, where experienced trackers locate habituated gorilla families and guide small groups through the forest to observe them at remarkably close range. The number of visitors permitted to see these gorilla families is carefully controlled, making advance planning particularly important.

But the gorillas may be only one part of the journey.

We are currently exploring ways to combine the Uganda experience with other exceptional East African wildlife encounters. Possibilities include chimpanzee trekking and combining the Uganda experience with a traditional East African safari in Tanzania. We are also considering several days in Cape Town, South Africa, as a very different finale to our time in Africa.

The itinerary, dates, accommodations and final combination of destinations are still in development and subject to change.

For now, we simply invite you to ask yourself:

Does an intimate encounter with Africa’s mountain gorillas belong on your travel wish list?

If the answer is yes, keep spring 2028 in mind—and let Yuri know you might be interested.

Japan Beyond the Familiar — Fall 2028 — On the Drawing Board

Tokyo. Kyoto. Osaka. Japan’s Golden Route.

They are among Japan’s most celebrated destinations, and deservedly so. But there is much more of Japan waiting beyond the familiar first-time itinerary. Let’s delve deeper into Japanese culture.

For fall 2028, we are beginning to develop a journey designed as a deeper exploration of Japan—one that ventures beyond many of the places international visitors traditionally see.

Our early thinking includes the following destinations: Takayama, with its beautifully preserved historic district; the traditional mountain village of Shirakawa-go; Kanazawa, known for its gardens, crafts and samurai heritage; Iwakuni, including its distinctive Kintai Bridge and castle, and Miyajima, with its famous waterfront torii gate and centuries of history. We will end in Tokyo with a few days of dedicated shopping, which will include some fun options not typically offered by tour guides.

And we may not finish the journey on land.

One possibility under consideration is pairing our exploration of Japan with a Mitsui Ocean Cruises sailing, creating a land-and-sea journey that offers yet another perspective on the country.

Like our East Africa concept, this journey is still in the early planning stages. Destinations, dates and experiences may change considerably as we develop it.

But if you have already seen some of Japan—or have always wanted to experience the country beyond its most familiar sights—consider keeping some room on your calendar for fall 2028.

And if this sounds like your kind of Japan, let Yuri know.

YURI'S TRAVEL INSIGHT

Enroll in STEP Before Traveling Abroad

Before an international trip, U.S. citizens should consider enrolling their travel with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

STEP is a free service that connects travelers with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and provides destination-specific security, health, weather, demonstration and other important alerts. In an emergency, enrollment can also help the embassy or consulate contact you or your designated emergency contact. Enrollment is simple, free and worth adding to your pre-travel checklist.

Learn more or enroll: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Give Yourself Time at Unfamiliar International Airports

A connection that looks comfortable on paper can feel very different when traveling through an unfamiliar international airport.

Depending upon your itinerary, connecting internationally may involve passport control, security screening, terminal changes or other entry procedures. Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) now electronically registers eligible non-EU travelers crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area, including biometric information such as a facial image and fingerprints.

When traveling through an unfamiliar international airport, we recommend allowing at least three hours between flights whenever practical. You may not need all of it—but a little extra time is far preferable to watching your connecting flight depart while you are still working your way through an unfamiliar airport.

Learn more: European Union Entry/Exit System (EES)

SPOTLIGHT ON 2027

Looking Ahead

As you begin planning your 2027 travel experiences, I'd like to highlight several exciting group journeys currently available.

□ Tulip Time aboard AmaSerena – April 2 – 9, 2027 (with a 2-night pre-cruise option March 31 – April 1)

Experience the Netherlands in bloom as millions of tulips transform the countryside into one of Europe's most colorful landscapes. Only a few spaces remain available, making now the time to decide whether this spring journey belongs on your 2027 calendar.

□ Scotland Intensive aboard Azamara Journey – August 17 – 29, 2027

Spend more time ashore exploring Scotland's remarkable history, dramatic coastlines, and welcoming villages through Azamara's destination-intensive style of cruising. Reservations are beginning to build for this itinerary, making now an excellent time to explore whether it belongs on your 2027 calendar.

COMING SEPTEMBER 10^th

Discovery Edition

As this issue reaches your inbox, John and I are embarked on some family travel within the US, cruising the Columbia/Snake Rivers.

This voyage is with American Cruise Lines and is ideal for those who prefer to travel domestically. We will take you with us on this exploration of the American Northwest in the next newsletter. See you in September!

Let’s Start Planning

Whether your next journey is only months away or still taking shape for 2028, thoughtful planning creates opportunities—more choices, better accommodations and, sometimes, access to experiences available to only a limited number of travelers.

If one of these journeys has caught your attention—or if somewhere entirely different is calling—I’d be delighted to help you explore the possibilities and find the experience that’s right for you.

And if you know a family member or friend who might enjoy this newsletter, be interested in one of these unique travel opportunities, or would like help curating their own future travels, please feel free to forward it along.

Explore Curated Journeys

Yuri Pross
YP journeys

YP journeys, LLC
Curated travel planning shaped by experience.