July 2026 - Planning

7/25/2026

YP journeys

Volume 3 • Issue 7.2

PLANNING EDITION

Welcome!

In our first Discovery Edition earlier this month, we explored one of Europe's most relaxing travel experiences—luxury hotel barging—and introduced our new twice-monthly newsletter format.

Today I'd like to shift our attention from discovering new possibilities to planning remarkable journeys.

Some of the most memorable travel experiences require decisions well before departure. Small ships, curated group journeys, and specialty itineraries almost always have limited availability, and the best opportunities rarely wait until the last minute.

This Planning Edition is designed to keep you informed about important booking milestones, exclusive opportunities, and group journeys currently available. My hope is these timely updates help you plan with confidence and avoid missing experiences you've been dreaming about.

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

Why the Best Journeys Begin Earlier Than You Think

Travel planning isn't about filling (or not) your calendar years in advance—it's about preserving your choices.

Luxury cruises, small-group journeys, and specialty itineraries often have limited capacity. The most desirable cabins, preferred airfare, hotel accommodations, and optional experiences are frequently reserved many months (often more than a year) before departure.

Two comments I hear frequently are:

"Isn't it too early to plan travel two years from now?" or “I simply cannot commit that far in advance.”

Ironically, the opposite is usually true.

Planning early gives you the greatest selection, the greatest flexibility, and often the best overall value. Travel protection insurance allows you to make those plans with confidence while protecting your investment should life take an unexpected turn.

The groups discussed in this issue will depart in 2027—but the planning needs to be happening now.

YURI'S TRAVEL INSIGHT

Six Exclusive AmaWaterways Future Cruise Benefit Vouchers Available

YP journeys currently has six AmaWaterways Future Cruise Benefit vouchers available.

One of the advantages of working with a travel advisor is access to opportunities that are simply not widely available. This is one of those opportunities. As your travel advisor, I'll provide these exclusive benefits to the first six guests who reserve an eligible AmaWaterways river cruise through YP journeys:

• A reduced initial deposit of just $200 per guest
• A 5% savings on the cruise fare

Whether you’ve been dreaming of France's celebrated wine regions, Europe's legendary castles and rivers, Egypt’s timeless Nile, or Southeast Asia’s fascinating Mekong River, these exclusive benefits make now an excellent time to begin planning. Reach out to me to take advantage of these vouchers.

SPOTLIGHT ON 2027

Looking Ahead

As you begin planning your 2027 travel experiences, I'd like to highlight several exciting group journeys currently available. The New Zealand trip is days from closing; time will not wait, so take a look at these and let me know which one you would like to dig deeper into.

□□ New Zealand & Australia aboard Azamara Pursuit – January 20 – February 5, 2027

If you've been considering this remarkable trip through New Zealand – the land of Tolkien – and Australia, now is the time to let me know. Our group booking for this exploration of this magical corner of the world closes July 28, and once it does, the opportunity to join us under the group arrangements will no longer be 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. Availability remains good today, but this itinerary is expected to sell out.

□ 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 AUGUST 10^th

Discovery Edition

As this issue reaches your inbox, John and I will be about to depart on our voyage aboard Azamara Journey, sailing from Copenhagen to Reykjavík.

This sailing has been selected as a Distinctive Voyage by Travel Leaders Network, one of the world's largest networks of luxury travel advisors. Distinctive Voyages include a collection of exclusive amenities – at no additional cost – negotiated for guests of participating Travel Leaders Network travel advisors, such as a private cocktail reception, a complimentary shore excursion available only to Distinctive Voyage guests, and an onboard host who serves as an extension of your travel advisor throughout the journey.

While we enjoy this voyage, I will be serving as the Distinctive Voyage Host for this trip, helping participating guests enjoy the exclusive experiences and amenities included with this special sailing.

We'll take you aboard Azamara Journey as we experience this Distinctive Voyage through Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland, sharing the exclusive events and behind-the-scenes perspective available only to participating guests.

Let’s Start Planning

Whether you're considering a river cruise, an ocean voyage, an expedition, or a custom land journey, I'd be delighted to help you begin planning your next remarkable adventure.

Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to turn "someday" into a confirmed reservation.

Explore Curated Journeys

Yuri Pross
YP journeys

YP journeys, LLC
Curated travel planning shaped by experience.