June 2026

6/25/2026

YP journeys

Volume 3 • Issue 6

Remarkable Journeys Closer to Home

Welcome!

As travelers, we’re often drawn to destinations across oceans and continents—and for good reason. Some of the world’s most remarkable experiences await in Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond. But extraordinary travel doesn’t always require a long-haul international journey. North America offers spectacular scenery, fascinating history, unique cultural experiences, and world-class hospitality, often closer to home than many travelers realize.

This month, I’d like to share a few journeys that remind us just how much there is to discover within the United States and Canada. From luxury rail travel through the Canadian Rockies to expedition cruising on the Great Lakes and river voyages through the Pacific Northwest, these experiences offer all the enrichment and wonder of distant destinations while remaining surprisingly accessible.

I hope you’ll enjoy traveling along with us as we revisit some recent adventures, explore a few unique North American journeys, and preview a special small-group opportunity currently taking shape for 2027.

As we continue refining this newsletter format, your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] or through www.ypjourneys.com.

Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Calgary

Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies

In May, we traveled aboard the Rocky Mountaineer through the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

Our journey began in Vancouver and continued through Kamloops before crossing the Continental Divide into the mountain communities of Lake Louise and Banff.

The Rocky Mountaineer experience is not simply transportation between destinations; it is a moving panoramic tour through some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America. Towering mountain peaks, rushing rivers, waterfalls, wildlife habitat, and endless forests unfold outside the oversized glass-dome windows.

What impressed us most was the hospitality. From the onboard hosts and service team to the hotel accommodations and logistical coordination, the entire experience was exceptionally well executed. Meals were excellent, beverages plentiful, and the pace relaxed enough to truly appreciate the scenery.

Banff itself remains one of North America’s iconic mountain destinations. Nestled within Banff National Park, it offers dramatic scenery, excellent dining, and a charming mountain-town atmosphere.

For travelers seeking a memorable rail experience that combines breathtaking scenery with exceptional service, Rocky Mountaineer deserves serious consideration.

Unique North American Journeys Worth Considering

One of the joys of crafting custom journeys is discovering experiences that go beyond traditional vacations. Several North American journeys stand out as exceptional examples of immersive travel.

While I just shared our Rocky Mountaineer experience through the Canadian Rockies, fewer travelers are aware of its U.S. sister operation, Canyon Spirit, which offers an equally spectacular journey through the American Southwest. We experienced this route when it operated under the Rocky Mountaineer brand, traveling between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado. Today, the itinerary extends all the way to Salt Lake City!

The journey traverses stunning red-rock canyons, dramatic desert landscapes, and rugged mountain terrain while providing the same attentive onboard service that has made Rocky Mountaineer famous.

For travelers interested in the American West, it offers a completely different perspective than can be experienced from a highway or airplane.

Viking Octantis expedition cruising on the Great Lakes

One of our favorite recent experiences was sailing aboard Viking Octantis on the Great Lakes. Unlike traditional ocean cruises, Octantis is purpose-built for expedition travel. The ship combines Viking’s premium standards with opportunities for exploration, learning, and discovery.

The Great Lakes itinerary provided fascinating insight into North America’s maritime history, indigenous cultures, geology, and ecosystems. Expert lecturers, specialized excursion equipment, and a highly knowledgeable expedition team transformed the cruise into a true learning experience.

In August, we’ll be experiencing another uniquely North American journey aboard American Cruise Lines as we travel from Lewiston, Idaho to Portland, Oregon. This voyage follows the historic Columbia and Snake Rivers through landscapes associated with Lewis and Clark, Native American history, pioneering settlements, and some of the Pacific Northwest’s most dramatic scenery. We’re looking forward to experiencing the itinerary firsthand and sharing our observations after the voyage.

Many travelers are surprised to discover that these remarkable exploration journeys exist right here in North America.

Exclusive Preview

Fall 2027 Private Luxury Hotel Barge Charter

England’s Historic Thames River

Private Thames River luxury barge charter

As travel advisors, we’re always searching for experiences that go beyond what travelers can easily arrange on their own.

One project currently under development is a highly intimate river-barge experience on England’s historic Thames River. Rather than a large river ship, this is a private charter experience for a small group of travelers aboard a traditional luxury hotel barge, exploring the English countryside at an unhurried pace. Imagine charming villages, historic estates, centuries-old pubs, countryside walks, and personalized service while traveling with only a handful of like-minded guests.

We’re targeting Fall 2027 and participation will be limited to just six guests — eight of us total onboard.

Details are still being finalized, but if this style of small-group luxury travel interests you, we’d love to hear from you. Early expressions of interest will help us shape the final itinerary and guest experience.